In Dallas, Bill Nichols reported officials at Colonial Country Club "are working with the PGA Tour on finding a new sponsor" for the event, and "one could be named this week." Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza, in its final year as title sponsor of the event at Colonial, "will end its nine-year run ... with a special promotion this week." In the “Always On Charity Challenge,” fans "will use social media to vote for their favorite player among nine chosen for the program." Crowne Plaza "will donate $90,000 -- $10,000 for each year of its title sponsorship -- to the Birdies for Charity program in the name of the golfer with the most votes" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 5/19).
BALANCING ACT: In Tampa, Marc Topkin notes Rays 3B Evan Longoria "has helped create a sneaker being launched this month, the Evan Longoria x New Balance 350, which features several design elements he suggested." Some of Longoria's suggestions "were to make the shoe black (his most common clothing color choice), to include denim material in addition to the suede (since he prefers wearing jeans) and to make it comfortable given his past foot problems." Around 1,000 pairs are "being made and sold online for a suggested retail price of $159.95" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 5/20).
FOUR SCORE: Nike yesterday announced it has signed four WNBA players from the most recent Draft -- Storm G Jewell Lloyd, Shock C Amanda Zahui B., Storm F Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Sun C Elizabeth Williams. In Portland, Allan Brettman noted the signees "are among 50 female Nike athletes in the 12-team WNBA" (OREGONLIVE.com, 5/19).
OVAL OFFICE: Mistic E-Cigs will be co-primary sponsor of driver Sebastien Bourdais' No. 11 Verizon IndyCar Series entry at Sunday's Indianapolis 500. Mistic also served in the same role for Bourdais' ride with KVSH Racing in last year's race. The car this year will feature a Haus Personal Vaporizer logo, along with an updated black and white theme highlighted by green- and red-colored accents. Meanwhile, hot dog chain Wienerschnitzel will sponsor J.R. Hildebrand's No. 6 CHF Racing entry at the race (THE DAILY).
