Champions Tour Maintaining Events Despite Economic Downturn

AT&T Champions Classic Only Champions Tour Event Definitely Not Returning In '10

The Champions Tour is "weathering the financial squeeze pretty well," and its schedule next season should "closely resemble this year's calendar" of 25 events, according to Bill Fields of GOLF WORLD. The economic downturn has "rocked professional golf," but Champions Tour President Michael Stevens said that the AT&T Champions Classic is the only event on this year's schedule "definitely not returning" in '10. The Tour is "working to renew contracts with two other events whose agreements expire this year," the Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach and the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn. In addition, a new event in South Korea will be "played in September 2010, and discussions are ongoing with groups" in Montreal and Fort Wayne, Indiana, about possible tournaments. Fields notes it costs sponsors between $2-2.5M to "underwrite a Champions Tour tournament, less than footing the bill for PGA or LPGA tour events." Stevens said, "Companies are recognizing when you get in bad economic times, your business relationships are key to your success, and client-entertainment vehicles become a valid part of your profile. We deliver that really well" (GOLF WORLD, 8/31 issue).