Kroger Pulling Out Of Champions Tour’s Cincinnati Stop

CHAMPIONS TOUR: In Cincinnati, John Eradi reports the Champions Tour Kroger Classic “is losing its title sponsor after” next week’s event at the TPC at River’s Bend. Kroger has been title sponsor since ’90, while other companies such as Sara Lee, U.S. Bank, Kraft and Coca-Cola have served as major sponsors. Tournament Dir Margie French said, “We are talking with several local companies about coming aboard as our title sponsor and keeping this great event in Greater Cincinnati. We are extremely positive that we will have a new title sponsor on board for next year” (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 9/1)....In San Antonio, Raul Dominguez Jr. reports the first 1,200 fans attending the second round of the Champions Tour SBC Championship in October will receive a free Craig Stadler bobblehead doll. The bobblehead depicts Stadler holding the SBC trophy he won last year (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 9/1).

SPRING INTO ACTION: Cutter & Buck has unveiled the Spring ’05 Annika Sorenstam Collection. The line, developed using European styling, will be available in January. Included in the collection are mock turtlenecks, Capri pants and sleeveless polos (Cutter & Buck).

IRISH EYES: A-B has inked a deal to sponsor the ’06 Ryder Cup with its Budweiser brand. Budweiser receives use of Ryder Cup logos in advertising, packaging and POP materials. The ’06 event will be held at the Kildare Golf and Country Club in Ireland (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/31).