Nationwide Brings Stable Of PGA Tour Rookies Under Umbrella

By Jon Show, Senior Staff Writer

Brandt Snedeker Poses For An Upcoming Print Ad

Nationwide has signed deals with a number of former Nationwide Tour players who are now rookies on the PGA Tour. The group is called Team Nationwide. The same deal was extended to all 22 graduates of last year’s tour, and 19 accepted. This year’s roster includes Boo Weekley, who won his first PGA Tour event at the Verizon Heritage at Harbour Town this month. Players will participate in Nationwide-sponsored events throughout the year and will be featured in the company’s communications and marketing materials. They will also appear in print ads in golf publications, as well as in integrated content through Nationwide’s Golf Channel sponsorship. There will also be a microsite at www.nationwide.com offering players’ results, bios and videos, as well as contests. There is no annual commitment to sign a fresh set of graduates each year, but the company plans on continuing the effort. The arrangements do not include any logo placement on players’ apparel or bags.

MAKING THE CUT: Other players signing under Team Nationwide include Craig Bowden, Andrew Buckle, Gavin Coles, Jason Dufner, Ken Duke, Tripp Isenhour, Craig Kanada, Cliff Kresge, Doug LaBelle II, Jarrod Lyle, John Merrick, Bryce Molder, Michael Putnam, Jeff Quinney, Jim Rutledge, Paul Sheehan, Michael Sim and Brandt Snedeker. Nationwide has title sponsored pro golf’s second-tier men’s tour since ’03 and extended its deal last year through 2012. Raleigh-based OnSport is its sports marketing agency of record.