Finchem Discusses Tour Sponsorships Coming Under Scrutiny

Finchem (l) Discusses Criticism Companies Have Received For Sponsoring Events

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem discussed the criticism some companies have recently received for sponsoring Tour events and said the “main thing here is to make sure that people understand what's really happening.” Finchem noted, “You have a partnership with a company that takes advantage of branding advertising and a business platform to entertain and spend time with and communicate with customers, and it works very, very well. … Unfortunately, some criticism is focused on a little teeny piece of it, which is entertainment of customers. Of course in today's world, if our tax dollars are being invested in private companies, people are upset about that and they're upset when they see something misspent. I've been involved for 20 years. I've never seen any lavish entertainment, but I think we need to be sensitive about that. But mainly we have to make sure that decision-makers understand what's really happening … and that this is a very valid business proposition for the companies involved.” He added, “In the meantime, we have to be careful because it has a chilling effect on people making decisions at the time when the travel and entertainment industry in this country is suffering. So we've got to work to get that message out. But I like the way it's headed and I think in the final analysis, we'll be fine” ("WGC-CA Championship," NBC, 3/15).

MILITARY ACTION: In Miami, Jeff Shain reported the WGC-CA Championship gave armed forces personnel and their families free admission all week, and tournament sponsor Lockheed Martin "set up a retreat called the 'Patriots Outpost,' where military ticket-holders could stop by for food and drink or play video games." Golfers Boo Weekley and David Love III Saturday were among the pros who "came by to compete against overseas soldiers" in EA Sports' "Tiger Woods" videogame (MIAMI HERALD, 3/15).