The Dean & DeLuca Invitational proved to be a "rousing success" at Colonial Country Club, "from the perspective of a first-year title sponsor of a PGA Tour event," according to Jimmy Burch of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. The week "included a steady flow of traffic to the title sponsor's Prince Street Marketplace off the ninth fairway and ended with a dramatic, comeback victory" by Jordan Spieth. It was a "home-run debut for a cherished local event operating under its new name." Dean & DeLuca parent company PACE Development Chair & CEO Sorapoj Techakraisri said, "The tournament, the fans, the players, it was a very, very good first-year experience. We're very much looking forward to next year." Burch notes because first impressions "tend to be lasting ones, it is significant for golf fans in Fort Worth and members at Colonial that D&D enjoyed its first taste of tournament week" at Colonial. Tournament Chair Bobby Patton: "Things couldn't have fallen into better shape with our leader board and our field. We couldn't be happier. It's a great partnership. I know Dean & DeLuca appreciates it and we look forward to a long relationship with them." It "speaks well for long-term relations" that Dean & DeLuca Chief Development Officer Jay Coldren "cited plans for two retail outlets to be operational in DFW within 18 months" (FT. WORTH STAR TELEGRAM, 5/31).
