Written by Joel Schuchmann
| Thursday, 19 November 2009 15:54
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Golf News
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR’s Tournament Advisory Council (TAC) Meetings with three awards this week. The excellence shown in staging the “Best Special Event” and “Best Pro-Am” combined to earn the Zurich Classic of New Orleans the “Most Improved Event” award.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans earned “Best Special Event” as the tournament hosted a Louisiana Forward Economic Summit at TPC Louisiana during tournament week. The Summit focused on the economic and charitable impact the tournament has had in the region, with guest speakers including Zurich Financial Services CEO Jim Schiro and PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.
The event also won an award for “Best Pro-Am.” The Wednesday Pro-Am is a long-time favorite for both professional and amateur competitors, as local restaurants provide authentic New Orleans cuisine on the course to participants during the round.
“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am thrilled to congratulate the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the special recognition it has received for its efforts in the areas of Best Special Event and Best Pro-Am,” said Rick George, PGA TOUR executive vice-president and chief of operations. “The Fore!Kids Foundation should be extremely proud of its hard work and for being recognized as the best among its peers on the TOUR.”
The 2010 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, captured this year by Jerry Kelly, will be held April 19-25 at TPC Louisiana in New Orleans, LA. The events charity proceeds benefit a number of area charities.
“I think it’s a reflection of the great organization and great team of all the Fore!Kids Foundation members working with local sponsors and a great title sponsor in Zurich,” said Tommy Fonseca, President of the Fore!Kids Foundation. “Collectively, as a team, we create a great event.”
About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.
In 2009, the three Tours are competing in 100 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments are held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states.
In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR's web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
I would think that since Zurick makes so much money from the Farmers Insurance Exchange that they would advertise Farmers Insurance during the event. If they do I have never seen such acknowledgement. I also think that they could make offers/awards to Farmers agent to attend the event.
