New agreement extends insurance and financial service company's umbrella
sponsorship of golf tour through 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide and the PGA TOUR(R)
announced today that the company will extend its umbrella sponsorship of
the Nationwide Tour for five years through the 2012 season. Nationwide has
been the umbrella sponsor of the Tour since 2003.
"Based on the success we've had with the Nationwide Tour in the past
four years, we're very excited to continue and grow our role as umbrella
sponsor," said John Aman, brand management officer for Nationwide. "Our
goal will be to continue to provide golf fans with an On Your Side
experience that makes following the Nationwide Tour more enjoyable."
Interest in the Nationwide Tour has grown dramatically during the past
four years of Nationwide's sponsorship. Fueled by the performance of
Nationwide Tour alumni on the PGA TOUR, and in premier events like the
Ryder Cup, television audiences, corporate support, tournament attendance
and purses have all seen significant growth since 2003.
"The PGA TOUR is very pleased to extend our relationship with
Nationwide," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "The Tour has
experienced new heights with the assistance of Nationwide and we are
delighted that the company continues to share our passion for golf and the
Nationwide Tour."
"Part of what makes the Nationwide Tour such a good match for our
business is the fact that golf is a game built on personal integrity," said
Aman, "That's the same approach we take in the work we do at Nationwide."
The Nationwide Tour began in 1990 and experienced slow, steady growth
over the years until the arrival of Nationwide as the umbrella sponsor in
2003. Since then, purses have grown to record levels and the Tour is
acknowledged as one of the most competitive tours in the world.
In 2006, the Nationwide Tour consisted of 31 tournaments played in
three countries and 22 states with purses reaching nearly $17 million.
Former Nationwide Tour players, including Stuart Appleby, Chris
DiMarco, John Daly, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Troy Matteson and David Toms,
have won 196 PGA TOUR events, including 21 in 2006. Twelve of the 21 2005
Nationwide Tour graduates finished among the PGA TOUR's top 125 players,
with eight earning at least $1 million and three winning PGA TOUR events in
2006. Nine of the 12 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup team members graduated from the
Nationwide Tour.
About the Nationwide Tour:
The Nationwide Tour is owned and operated by the PGA TOUR from its
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, headquarters. Each season, the Top 20 players on the
Nationwide Tour money list graduate to the PGA TOUR. Since 1990, the Tour
has sent nearly 500 players to the PGA TOUR with 89 recording at least one
victory. The Tour's web-site is http://www.pgatour.com
About Nationwide:
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified
insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than
$157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #99 on the Fortune 100 list. The
company provides a full range of insurance and financial services,
including auto, homeowners, life, commercial insurance, administrative
services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans.
For more information, visit http://www.nationwide.com
Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered
service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a
service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Contacts:
Mike Switzer, Nationwide:
(614) 249-4092
Cell: (614) 370-0001
switzem1@nationwide.com
Dave Lancer, PGA TOUR:
(904) 273-3215
Cell: (904) 673-6373
davelancer@pgatourhq.com
SOURCE Nationwide
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Related links:
http://www.nationwide.com
http://www.pgatour.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/607050.html /
CONTACT:
Mike Switzer of Nationwide, +1-614-249-4092,
or cell, +1-614-370-0001, or switzem1@nationwide.com; or Dave
Lancer of PGA TOUR, +1-904-273-3215, or cell, +1-904-673-6373, or
davelancer@pgatourhq.com
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