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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - The PGA TOUR announced it has informed the Atlanta Classic Foundation that the tournament it operates will no longer be a part of the PGA TOUR schedule after 2008. The decision to discontinue the tournament comes after extensive efforts to identify a title sponsor proved unsuccessful.
"We regret having to notify the Atlanta Classic Foundation of this decision, but the absence of a title sponsor at this point has necessitated the move in order to solidify the schedule for the future," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said. "The Atlanta Classic Foundation has been a valuable partner of the TOUR since 1967 and has generated millions of dollars for local charities, primarily the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. We sincerely thank Atlanta Classic Foundation President Tom Coco and his board, Tournament Director Dave Kaplan and the thousands of volunteers who have given so much of their time and energy to the betterment of the tournament and community."
"We could not have been successful all these years without the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm of more then 1,600 volunteers. They are the cornerstone of the tournament's success," Coco said. "While we are disappointed to lose our date on the PGA TOUR, the Foundation will explore its options for the future in the coming weeks."
Both the PGA TOUR and AT&T, which previously sponsored the TOUR event in Atlanta, are focused on maintaining the historical charitable impact the tournament has had on Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. AT&T has committed a substantial donation to the hospital for the next two years.
Finchem said the PGA TOUR is planning to continue the charitable commitment to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta through a new Champions Tour event. He said the TOUR is completing the final details with a U.S.-based global company that will become a title sponsor of a Champions Tour tournament in 2009 at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, host venue for the PGA TOUR event since 1997.
"We are committed to maintain the charitable impact to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and we're delighted with AT&T's commitment," Finchem said. "Indeed, with the strength of this new tournament title sponsor, we are excited that the history of tournament golf at TPC Sugarloaf will continue with what will be a premier Champions Tour event. A formal announcement is forthcoming."
The TOUR will be talking to the Atlanta Classic Foundation about its possible involvement with this new Champions Tour event moving forward.
"With regard to the PGA TOUR, this development will create an adjustment in the 2009 schedule," Finchem said. "We are working through the process of filling the date. There will be a number of changes in the schedule for 2009 that will be announced in the next couple of weeks after our Policy Board meeting."
The final Classic was held the week of May 12-18 this year and was captured by first-time winner Ryuji Imada in a playoff over Kenny Perry. Prior to moving to TPC Sugarloaf, the tournament was held at Atlanta Country Club.
The Atlanta area remains an important part of the schedule as the THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola, the fourth and final event of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, is played annually at East Lake Golf Club.
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