Canadian Skins Game On Hiatus This Year After Telus Ends Run As Longtime Title Sponsor

The Skins Game, an "annual fixture on the Canadian golf calendar for the last 20 years, will not be played this year and has been placed on hiatus until a new title sponsor can be found," according to Brad Ziemer of the VANCOUVER SUN. Telus, which had sponsored the event since '01, "decided not to renew its deal for the made-for-TV event." IMG Golf VP/Communications & PR Dave Haggith said that the company "hopes to find a new sponsor in time for the event to be played" in '14. Telus Senior Communications Manager Chris Gerritsen said, "It has been a rewarding experience on many levels, but it was time for a change." Ziemer noted the Skins Game has "attracted some strong fields over the years," with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia all participating at one point. But the event in recent years was "lacking marquee names." The Skins Game is "not the only Canadian golf property seeking a new title sponsor," as CN Rail in February announced it was "ending its sponsorship of the Canadian Women's Open" after this year's Aug. 22-25 event in Edmonton (VANCOUVER SUN, 5/5).