National Car Rental Expands PGA Jr. League Sponsorship
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2017-12-11
ST. LOUIS, Missouri (PGA of America) — National Car Rental and PGA Jr. League are partnering to help attract more youth to the game of golf.
A new two-year sponsorship agreement designates National as a “Proud Partner of PGA Jr. League” and represents the latest evolution in the car rental brand’s ongoing partnership with the PGA of America. In addition, National will extend its Presenting Sponsorship of the PGA Jr. League Championship and the post-season through 2019.
The partnership was announced during the special two-hour telecast of the 2017 PGA Jr. League Championship presented by National Car Rental that aired Tuesday night on Golf Channel. An encore telecast is scheduled to air on Friday, Dec. 15 at Noon ET/9 a.m. PT.
“This sponsorship represents the strength of our relationship with the PGA of America and our shared commitment to grow the game of golf at the grassroots level,” said Rob Connors, vice president of brand marketing for National. “We’re proud to support PGA Jr. League and its development of the next generation of golfers.”
Through PGA Jr. League, kids from all backgrounds learn the game in a fun and engaging team setting, receiving expert instruction from PGA and LPGA Professionals. Players wear numbered jerseys and compete in a two-person scramble format that encourages mentorship and builds confidence. In 2017, a record number of 42,000 boys and girls participated on 3,400 PGA Jr. League teams – surpassing the 36,000 participants on 2,900 teams in 2016.
“National Car Rental’s growing support of PGA Jr. League is helping transform the way golf is learned and played, and ultimately, inspiring lifelong interest in our game from youth and their families,” said PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price. “Their expanded commitment to growing the game through PGA Jr. League and several other important PGA initiatives is encouraging new, diverse audiences to play the game of golf, and we’re delighted with their continued partnership.”
Beginning in 2018, National’s enhanced sponsorship will promote PGA Jr. League through initiatives designed to raise the visibility of the program. National will support many exciting enhancements planned for the 2018 season of PGA Jr. League, including the expansion of the jersey program to provide one home and one away jersey for each player, as well as the introduction of the “Emerald Club All-Star Team” program that will recognize both the top players and teams who advance to the playoffs, as well as their captains and parents.
As the Presenting Partner of the PGA Jr. League Championship, National will continue to elevate the onsite experience for players and their families by adding several amenities. For example, activities at the 2017 Championship included custom championship jerseys, a welcome reception for parents, a skills challenge event for the players and the creation of the Emerald Club All-Star Team Zone and Parents Lounge hospitality areas onsite at Grayhawk Golf Club.
“We’re excited to team up with the PGA to host activities that will grow awareness of and participation in this great game by engaging young golfers and their families in a fun, memorable way,” said Connors.
Since 2012, National has been an Official Partner and the Official Rental Car of the PGA of America. The brand also serves as the Official Rental Car of the PGA Championship and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship; an Official Partner of the 2018 Ryder Cup; Title Sponsor of the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship and Founding Partner of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
About National Car Rental
Founded in 1947, National Car Rental is a premium, internationally recognized brand serving the daily rental needs of the frequent airport traveler throughout the world. With National, time-sensitive customers in the United States are able to quickly choose their own vehicles, based upon their advance reservation and requested car class, and then simply drive away from the airport. National – which launched the car rental industry’s first comprehensive frequent-renter program – further expedites the rental process for Emerald Club members by offering counter bypass as well as access to National’s “Emerald Aisle.” In addition, Emerald Club members can choose to receive EmeraldAlertsSM – emailed communications that include Arrival and Return Alerts, and Drop & GoSM service with convenient eReceipts. St. Louis-based Enterprise Holdings, through its regional subsidiaries, operates the National Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Alamo Rent A Car brands. For more information about National, visit nationalcar.com or facebook.com/NationalCarRental and follow @NationalPro on Twitter.
About PGA Jr. League
PGA Jr. League is the flagship program for the youth pillar of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. Visit PGAJrLeague.com to learn more.