TOUR Tournaments recognized with TAC Awards

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The inaugural Tournament Advisory Council (TAC) Awards were presented at the PGA TOUR's annual tournament meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The TAC Awards recognize excellence across a number of areas associated with operating a PGA TOUR tournament.

Awards were distributed to PGA TOUR tournaments across 11 categories. The PGA TOUR's Tournament Business Affairs department evaluated each tournament through a thorough review process and determined nominees and the eventual winners for each category.

"On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am pleased to acknowledge and congratulate the outstanding job and special recognition these tournaments have received for their efforts," said Rick George, PGA TOUR executive vice-president and chief of operations. "The respective tournament committees should be extremely proud for being recognized as the best among their peers on the TOUR."

Badz/PGA TOUR

AT&T National media center workspace.

The following is a list of 2008 TAC Award recipients:

BMW Championship -- Best in Class

The award recognizes the BMW Championship's excellence in all phases of tournament operations, including such areas as corporate hospitality venues, Pro-Am presentations, player services and media relations.

The 2009 BMW Championship, the third event in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, will be held Sept. 7-13 at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, IL.

"We're humbled that the PGA TOUR has honored our event with this award," said John Kaczkowski, WGA vice president of tournaments. "We were fortunate to have three great partners in BMW, the PGA TOUR and Bellerive Country Club. This award recognizes the efforts of all who contributed to the success of this year's BMW Championship. I'm pleased we were selected to receive this award, and just as pleased that we were able to raise a record amount for the Evans Scholars Foundation, our tournament's sole charity."

Runner up: Wachovia Championship

Travelers Championship -- Best PGA TOUR Branding and Signage

The Travelers Championship was awarded for the best presentation or look-and-feel of its PGA TOUR on-site signage and branding at TPC River Highlands. The look transcends through all of their on-site signage and collateral materials and adds to the overall presentation, both on-site for spectators as well as the televised broadcast of the event.

The 2009 Travelers Championship will be held June 25-28 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT.

"Having a local title sponsor is our key for this PGA TOUR event," said Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube. "The incredible branding extends from Travelers. They are so proud to sponsor this event. We are all so committed to taking this event to the next level, and we certainly see a huge sense of commitment and pride from Travelers as the title sponsor."

Runners up: Stanford St. Jude Championship, Crowne Plaza Invitational, Turning Stone Resort Championship

AT&T National -- Best Special Event and Best Media Center Operations

Deemed vital to the on-site experience, AT&T National and host Tiger Woods honored the United States military throughout the week, and were awarded "Best Special Event." The opening ceremony Wednesday featured Wounded Warriors, Color Guard, Screaming Eagles Parachute Team and active duty family members. Each branch of the military was honored during the week and complimentary tickets were distributed to 30,000 active duty, reserve, retired, National Guard and Department of Defense civilians. The tournament hosted Walter Reed Hospital veterans on-site and gave the opportunity for fans to send postcards to active military personnel throughout the world.

Badz/PGA TOUR

Wyndham Championship -- the most improved event.

The AT&T National Media Center also earned "Best Media Center Operations" as the event's Media Center included amenities and outstanding personal service to assist working media in their coverage of the event.

The 2009 AT&T National, captured last year by second-year phenom Anthony Kim, will be held June 30-July 5 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. The event's charity proceeds benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation.

Best Media Center Operations Runners up: HP Byron Nelson Championship, BMW Championship

Best Special Event Runners up: Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Viking Classic

Wyndham Championship -- Most Improved Event

Despite the challenges of moving to a new course, the Wyndham Championship put on a first-class presentation for players, spectators and sponsors. Players heaped praise on the Donald Ross-designed Sedgefield Country Club and spectators were treated to convenient parking, improved on-site experiences and enhanced fan viewing areas. The title sponsor exposure and product display at the Wyndham Championship was also cited as a top reason for the "Most Improved Event" award.

The 2009 Wyndham Championship, captured last year by Carl Pettersson, will be held August 17-23 at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C.

"It is a real honor to be recognized by the PGA TOUR," said Tournament Director Mark Brazil. "This award is a tribute to a total team effort by the tournaments Board of Directors, committee, staff, sponsors, volunteers and our many fans in the Piedmont Triad region. It is also a reflection of our partnership with Wyndham Worldwide and a bold move to Sedgefield Country Club, which I think is one of the best courses on TOUR."

Runner Up: RBC Canadian Open

Deutsche Bank Championship -- Best New Promotional Idea

Stop and Shop, a Founders Club Partner of the Deutsche Bank Championship, established an innovative fundraising program which included a five-cent donation for certain designated products sold at Stop and Shop Supermarket and Giant Food Stores during tournament week. As a result, $250,000 was donated to the Birdies for Charity program -- part of overall contributions from the Deutsche Bank Championship that reached into the millions.

John Deere Classic

John Deere Classic -- most-engaged community.

The 2009 Deutsche Bank Championship, captured last year by FedExCup champion Vijay Singh, will be held September 4-7 at TPC Boston in Norton, MA.

"We are blessed to have many wonderful partners who are instrumental in making the Deutsche Bank Championship a success," said Championship Director Eric Baldwin. "This award is special because it recognizes the efforts made by Stop & Shop in activating their partnership with our championship. They have been a great partner of ours, and we are thrilled to see how this relationship has made such a significant impact on our community through our fundraising efforts."

Runners Up: Crowne Plaza Invitational, Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, Valero Texas Open

Viking Classic -- Best Title Sponsor Integration

The theme at the 2008 Viking Classic was "Professional Cooking meets Professional Golf." The tournament had celebrity chef demonstrations throughout the week, awarded a Viking kitchen valued at $50,000, with proceeds going directly to the tournament's charity, Friends of Children's Hospital. The Viking Classic also tied the two products of cooking and golf throughout their advertising thematic.

The 2008 Viking Classic, captured by Will MacKenzie, was held Sept. 18-21 at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, MS.

"The Viking Classic tournament staff, Century Club Charities, volunteers and fans are very proud to have the Mississippi-based company Viking Range Corporation as our title sponsor," said Randy Watkins, Viking Classic tournament director. "This award is an indication of their dedication and commitment to making the Viking Classic the pride of all of Mississippi and the PGA TOUR."

Runner up: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Mayakoba Golf Classic -- Best Main Tournament Entrance

The expansive first impression and festive atmosphere created by the colorful Pueblito greeted patrons upon their arrival at the main entrance to the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun. As the spectators entered the tournament, Mexican-themed experiences were presented with a climate controlled golf shop, an exposition area, vivid tree shaded courtyard and an elevated Gazebo and stage with a concession featuring the local flavors in a party atmosphere environment.

RBC Canadian Open -- most-improved on-site presentation.

The 2009 Mayakoba Golf Classic, captured in 2008 by Brian Gay, will be held Feb. 26-March 1 at El Camaleon Golf Club at Mayakoba.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to win the Best Main Entrance Award," said Mayakoba Golf Classic Tournament Director Larson Segerdahl. "It is indicative of the commitment that OHL and Mayakoba are providing to this PGA TOUR event, and it is certainly a great way to welcome our spectators to the event."

Runner up: Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard

John Deere Classic -- Most Engaged Community

Community involvement starts with title sponsor John Deere, with its world headquarters located in Moline. Thanks to John Deere's commitment, the tournament creates a fun, family-oriented atmosphere, and has earned the reputation as the premier sporting event in the Quad Cities. The John Deere Classic continues to be ranked No. 1 for the most dollars given to charity per capita of any event on the PGA TOUR, having generated $4.6 million for participating non-profit organizations last year through the Birdies for Charity program.

The 2009 John Deere Classic, captured last year by Ryder Cup star Kenny Perry, will be held July 9-12 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, IL.

"It's a big deal in our community," said John Deere Classic Tournament Director, Clair Peterson. "It's our Super Bowl each year. We have 500 charities that are engaged in our Birdies for Charity program, which is a measure of the depth of the participation all through town. For 38 years, it continues to grow in support. Everyone understands the importance of the charitable aspect and the support just keeps coming in."

Runner up: FBR Open

Valero Texas Open -- Best Marketing and Sales Plan

Together with the Valero Texas Open Benefit for Children Golf Classic, the Valero Texas Open contributed $8.5 million to charity in 2008 -- this fundraising total keeps the Valero Texas Open among the most charitable tournaments on the PGA TOUR.

The 2009 Valero Texas Open will move from the PGA TOUR's Fall Series into the regular season as part of the FedExCup and will be held May 14-17 at LaCantera Golf Club (The Resort Course) in San Antonio.

"Everything starts with Valero and the great support and commitment they give us as a sponsor," said Tournament Director Craig Smith. "We benefited from setting benchmarks within our marketing and sales plan each year which gave us incentives to strive to reach and also made our entire staff accountable as we looked back on our successes and opportunities for improvement."

Runner up: Travelers Championship

RBC Canadian Open -- Most Improved On-Site Presentation

This award recognizes the RBC Canadian Open for creating excellent on-site spectator experiences and sponsor branding opportunities.

The 2009 RBC Canadian Open will be held July 20-26 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.

"This award was made possible because of our title sponsor RBC," said Tournament Director Bill Paul. "With the support of RBC, we challenged ourselves and set goals to improve the tournament. We look forward to raising the bar at our tournament every year."

Runner up: The Honda Classic