FORT WORTH, Texas, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most venerated stops on the PGA TOUR has a new title sponsor. Colonial Country Club, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and the PGA TOUR today announced a new six-year title sponsorship agreement beginning in 2007. The multi-million dollar deal makes Crowne Plaza the first hotel brand to title sponsor a PGA TOUR golf tournament. Full financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"The Colonial has long been one of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR, and we are looking forward to using this sponsorship as a national and international platform to showcase the Crowne Plaza brand," said Kevin Kowalski, vice president, brand management, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts. "We have positioned Crowne Plaza as 'The Place To Meet,' and everyone knows people use the golf course as an informal meeting place and post-meeting pastime," he added. "Moreover, the demographics of our Crowne Plaza guests align closely with those of PGA TOUR fans, so it makes perfect sense for Crowne Plaza to team up with this event and the PGA TOUR," he added.
The 2007 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, to be played May 21 - 27, will have a $6 million purse with the winner receiving $1,080,000. Also, 25,000 points will be available toward the new PGA TOUR FedExCup season-long competition. CBS Sports, a 30-year broadcast partner with Colonial, will continue to provide weekend coverage, with The Golf Channel providing early- round coverage.
"We are excited to begin a new partnership between Colonial Country Club and Crowne Plaza for the future of our great tournament," said Tournament Chairman Elliott Garsek. "We know that Crowne Plaza will play a big part in helping us carry on the historic traditions of this event. And we look forward to having them at our side as we continue to support charities throughout the Fort Worth community."
"The PGA TOUR is delighted that Crowne Plaza will be the title sponsor of one of our longest-running events," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "The legacy of Ben Hogan and the quality of champions that followed him are a testament to the prestige of the tournament. We are confident that with Crowne Plaza's support, the tournament will continue to add to its rich history, and also will continue generating significant contributions for local charities."
Colonial Country Club was founded in 1936 by Marvin Leonard, a visionary businessman. Partner in the locally famous Leonard Brothers Department Store, he sought to bring championship golf to Fort Worth. Leonard also sponsored a struggling young Fort Worth golfer who was trying to scratch out a living on the pro circuit -- Ben Hogan. The first TOUR event at Colonial, played in 1946, was won by Hogan, who went on to win it four more times in his career.
"We believe this is a terrific opportunity to associate our brand with Colonial's rich tradition and commitment to excellence," said Kowalski. "We look forward to working with tournament organizers, volunteers, the PGA TOUR and the people of Fort Worth to ensure that the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial will continue to uphold its distinguished reputation for great golf, sportsmanship and philanthropy."
As part of the sponsorship agreement Crowne Plaza will make significant media commitments including producing television advertising for the first time in the brand's recent history. In addition, the hotel brand will leverage the title sponsorship as part of a larger strategy to engage PGA TOUR fans and Crowne Plaza guests. Further details will be announced later in the season.
Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom (LON: IHG) (ADRs) which is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,600 hotels and 537,500 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.
For more information about the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial please visit http://www.crowneplazainvitational.com/.
About Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels and Resorts
As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group global portfolio, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has 243 hotels in 48 countries located in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations. Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts is the number one growth brand within its segment in the U.S. (source: Lodging Hospitality Annual Brand Report, March 2006). Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts is The Place to Meet. The ideal upscale hotel choice for small-to medium-sized business meetings, Crowne Plaza provides personalized service and one point of contact for hassle free, successful meetings. In addition to superior meetings offerings, Crowne Plaza recognizes the importance of getting a great night's sleep while traveling and now guests can enjoy the brand's Sleep Advantage program including a sleep kit, quiet zones, guaranteed wake-up calls and new bedding. As always, Crowne Plaza hotels provide quality fitness facilities, upscale dining and exceptional room accommodations. For reservations at Crowne Plaza properties, visit http://www.crowneplaza.com/ or call 1-800-2CROWNE.
About InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom (LON: IHG) (ADRs) is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,600 hotels and 537,500 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R), Candlewood Suites(R) and Hotel Indigo(TM), and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club(R) Rewards. InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/ and information for the Priority Club Rewards program at http://www.priorityclub.com/. For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit our online Press Office at http://www.ihgplc.com/media.
