CLEVELAND, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- RSM McGladrey, a leading accounting, tax and business consulting firm, announced sponsorship of the PGA RSM McGladrey Team Championship today at a PGA Championship press conference. The firm also announced the creation of Team RSM McGladrey with new partnership agreements with LPGA player Natalie Gulbis and PGA TOUR players Chris DiMarco and Zach Johnson. The combined announcements of the player signings, the launch of the PGA RSM McGladrey Team Championship, and a comprehensive national advertising campaign are the latest examples of RSM McGladrey's efforts to raise the company's brand visibility.
"Our new grassroots tournament and player partnerships are critical -- and exciting -- steps toward reinforcing our position as the firm for companies on the move," says David J. Sibits, executive managing director of the Ohio region, RSM McGladrey. "We believe that these established, and up-and-coming golfers, all demonstrate the values of integrity, excellence and passion -- three qualities that characterize RSM McGladrey's approach to serving clients."
A rising superstar on the LPGA Tour, Natalie Gulbis was the youngest player ever at 14 to qualify for an LPGA event. In 2005, Natalie finished in the top 10 in all four LPGA Majors and earned more than $1 million in winnings. Chris DiMarco, one of the most competitive players on the PGA TOUR, most recently finished an impressive second place in the 2006 British Open. He has also played on two President's Cup teams and a Ryder Cup team. Completing Team RSM McGladrey is Zach Johnson, an already well-regarded professional, who picked up his first PGA TOUR win in only his 13th career tournament at the 2004 BellSouth Classic. Also in 2004, he became the second player in TOUR history to surpass $2 million in earnings in his rookie season.
As part of the player partnerships, Gulbis, DiMarco and Johnson will wear the RSM McGladrey logo on their outerwear during all PGA/LPGA tournaments and events, ensuring a high-profile presence for RSM McGladrey. These professionals will also support and participate in RSM McGladrey sponsored events and initiatives throughout the year and will be featured in internal and external communications and marketing materials.
"RSM McGladrey is the tax and accounting firm for midsized companies," says Chris DiMarco. "I am extremely proud to join Team RSM McGladrey and to work with Zach and Natalie to help raise awareness for the brand."
To build on the PGA TOUR and LPGA player deals, RSM McGladrey also announced today that it will sponsor the PGA RSM McGladrey Team Championship, a nationwide best-ball amateur championship teeing off in 2007. The one-of-a- kind grassroots golf tournament will be managed by The PGA of America and will feature a series of local and 41 PGA Section Championships and a National Championship field of 41 four-person teams. Competition is open to men and women players of all ages and playing abilities.
PGA Professionals will join their three-person amateur teams that advance from their Local Championship event to their Section and National Championships. Amateurs will compete under a handicapped "best-ball" format where all players use their own ball. Amateur team scores will be computed using all players' registered USGA Index handicaps at the site of their Local Championship.
"RSM McGladrey is thrilled to collaborate with The PGA of America, and we look forward to a long and lasting relationship," says Art Smith, chief marketing officer, RSM McGladrey. "We are particularly excited to sponsor this one-of-a-kind grassroots golf tournament that will enhance our visibility within many of the communities where we operate throughout the country."
Momentum Worldwide negotiated the PGA of America partnership and the player agreements on behalf of RSM McGladrey. "RSM McGladrey is an incredibly successful company that prides itself on its team-oriented approach to business. The PGA RSM McGladrey Team Championship combined with the Team RSM McGladrey talent strategy is a natural and logical foundation for its golf platform," said Greg Luckman, managing director, Momentum NY.
About RSM McGladrey
RSM McGladrey is a leading professional services firm providing accounting, tax and business consulting. RSM McGladrey Inc. serves clients' global business needs through its membership in RSM International (an affiliation of separate and independent legal entities) and RSM McGladrey UK Ltd. RSM McGladrey Business Services is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of H&R Block .
