Travelers Extends Sponsorship For Connecticut PGA Event
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2021-04-17
CROMWELL, Connecticut (AP) — The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced it is extending its title sponsorship of Connecticut's PGA Tour stop through 2030.
The tournament has been around since 1952, when it was known as the Insurance City Open. It was later called the Greater Hartford Open and for two years was known as the Buick Championship.
It was on the verge of losing its spot on the tour when Travelers took over the title sponsorship in 2007, rebranding it as the Travelers Championship.
With the company's financial help, the tournament has completed major renovations of the TPC River Highlands course and added numerous amenities, including a 23-acre practice facility and a 40,000-square-foot clubhouse, which opened in 2019.
As part of the sponsorship deal, Travelers will remain the official property casualty insurance provider of the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour.
All net proceeds from the Travelers Championship go to charity. Since Travelers became title sponsor, the tournament has generated more than $20 million for nonprofits. That includes $1.6 million last year, when it was held as a TV-only event due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"The event may be branded with our company name, but this is really Connecticut’s tournament," said Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers.
This year's tournament is scheduled for June 21-27, with a field expected to include defending champion Dustin Johnson.