RBC Becomes Title Sponsor of PGA TOUR’s The Heritage
June 16, 2011
Boeing to serve as local presenting sponsor; 5-year deals carry RBC Heritage through 2016
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – June 16, 2011 – Gov. Nikki Haley, the PGA TOUR, Heritage Classic Foundation and RBC announced today that RBC has signed a five-year agreement tobecome the new title sponsor of The Heritage through 2016. In additionto RBC’s title sponsorship, The Boeing Company, which has a significantpresence in Charleston, S.C., will serve as local presenting sponsor for the RBC Heritage.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Hilton Head Island that included PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.
“This is a great day in South Carolina, and we’re going to celebrate,”said Gov. Haley. “We said from day one that finding a private sponsorfor The Heritage was one of this administration’s top priorities –because the tournament is an opportunity for us to showcase our state as one of this country’s premier destinations for business and tourists –and that we shouldn’t rely on taxpayers to foot the bill.”
The RBC Heritage, which for 2012 will return to its traditional week inApril immediately following the Masters Tournament, has been animportant element of South Carolina’s culture and economy since 1969,when it debuted at the Pete Dye-designed Harbour Town Golf Links. Thetournament generates more than $1 million for charity each year andbrings worldwide exposure to Hilton Head Island and the state of SouthCarolina through telecasts and media coverage. A 2010 study conducted by Clemson University shows the tournament has an annual economic impactof approximately $82 million.
“We are delighted that RBC, already a great partner of the PGA TOUR astitle sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, has made this significantcommitment to secure The Heritage’s future,” said PGA TOUR CommissionerTim Finchem. “I know today’s announcement is welcome news to everyonewho has been involved with and supported the tournament. We are alsovery appreciative of Boeing’s significant support as the event’spresenting sponsor.
“In addition to being a favorite among our players, the RBC Heritage has had a tremendous economic and charitable impact, thanks in large partto the efforts of the Heritage Classic Foundation,” Finchem continued.“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I’d also like to extend our deepestappreciation for the leadership and incredible support provided by Gov.Haley, Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. James Clyburn and other stateofficials throughout this process to help secure the future of thisgreat tournament.”
“RBC is excited to become title sponsor of this classic tournament thatwill provide a unique opportunity to associate our brand with one of the PGA TOUR’s most liked and well attended tournaments in North America,”said Jim Little, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, RBC. “We arevery committed to building our brand and serving our growing client base in the U.S. and the RBC Heritage provides very attractive opportunities for our U.S. businesses to reach target markets and foster new business development.”
As part of the five-year sponsorship deal, RBC will leverage the U.S.network television opportunities to promote its wealth management,private banking and capital markets businesses to a coveted clientdemographic. RBC also believes in giving back to important charitablecauses in communities in which it does business. Through this newagreement, RBC and the Heritage Classic Foundation will inject millionsof dollars into the economy and to charitable organizations within South Carolina, starting in 2012.
The tournament had been seeking sponsorship since Verizon ended 24 years of sponsorship following the 2010 tournament.
“We are truly grateful that we can celebrate the long-term future of our beloved tournament through the generous commitment of RBC as our newtitle sponsor, as well as The Boeing Company as our local presentingsponsor,” said Simon Fraser, Chairman of the Heritage ClassicFoundation. “We have weathered a very difficult time of uncertainty andspeculation, but now can definitively say that the RBC Heritage willremain an important part of the PGA TOUR and our state, and willcontinue to generate millions of dollars for our economy and forcharities in the years to come.”
“Boeing is delighted to become a part of a prestigious event with such a rich history and positive impact on the region,” said Jim Albaugh,President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We’re especiallypleased that the RBC Heritage will generate more than $1 million eachyear in support of South Carolina charities. Boeing is committed tomaking a difference in the communities where we work and live, and thisis just one way we can demonstrate that commitment.”
Contested on a golf course that has been a favorite among PGA TOURplayers, the RBC Heritage has a stellar list of past champions,including a number of World Golf Hall of Fame members: Arnold Palmer,Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Hale Irwin, Johnny Miller, Greg Norman, NickFaldo, Nick Price, Bernhard Langer, Hubert Green and the late PayneStewart. This year, Brandt Snedeker succeeded 2010 champion and Team RBC ambassador Jim Furyk by defeating Luke Donald on the third playoffhole.
