South Florida’s PGA TOUR Event Announces Updates | Sports Destination Management

South Florida’s PGA TOUR Event Announces Updates

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Feb 22, 2024

ournament officials announced today that The Palm Beaches have joined the Cognizant Classic as presenting sponsor, with the tournament being rebranded as the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. The longstanding PGA TOUR event returns to PGA National Resort’s Champion Course, February 26 – March 3, 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Palm Beach County Tourist Developmental Council, Palm Beach County Sports Commission and Discover The Palm Beaches as the presenting sponsors for what will now be known as the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches,” said Executive Director Joie Chitwood. “The support from this community and all of its constituents has played an incredible role in the longtime success of the tournament, and we are excited to work closely with everyone to deliver a tremendous experience for our fans in 2024.”

 

The partnership consists of the Palm Beach County Tourist Developmental Council (TDC), Palm Beach County Sports Commission, and Discover The Palm Beaches. The Palm Beaches are comprised of the 39 cities and towns that make up Palm Beach County stretching from Boca Raton to Tequesta. The southeast Florida destination boasts 47 miles of Atlantic coastline and is known for its top-designed courses and year-round temperate climate, making it ideal for playing golf and being home to numerous professional golfers.

“Palm Beach County lives up to its reputation in every way possible as Florida’s premier travel destination and every golfer’s dream destination,” said Mayor Maria Sachs. “We are pleased to be a presenting sponsor for such an important event and economic driver for our county.”

 

The announcement comes two weeks after the PGA TOUR and Children’s Healthcare Charity, Inc., announced an agreement for Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) to become the title sponsor for the TOUR’s premier event in South Florida. The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches made its PGA TOUR debut in 1972 as Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic in Lauderhill, Florida. Since 2007, the tournament has been played on The Champion Course at PGA National Resort.

 

“I would like to give a warm welcome to Cognizant as the new title sponsor of this historic golf tournament,” said Vice Mayor Maria Marino. “PGA National has hosted this fan favorite and family friendly event for almost 17 years and has seen some fabulous finishes. As a resident and member of PGA National and the District 1 County Commissioner, I invite everyone to the new Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. After all, Palm Beach County is the golf capital of the world.”

“This is a significant and well-aligned partnership for us with the PGA TOUR as The Palm Beaches are recognized as Florida’s Golf Capital and a world-renowned golf destination,” said Milton Segarra, President & CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches. “This tournament is a part of the history and DNA of PGA National Resort and of The Palm Beaches and we want to ensure that this legacy endures.”

“The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is more than just a premier PGA TOUR event; it's a celebration of Palm Beach County’s rich golf history and vibrant community, showcasing the best of The Palm Beaches to a global audience” said George Linley, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. “We look forward to the 2024 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches continuing to create unforgettable experiences for our visitors and residents.”

The newly rebranded Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, has been a cornerstone of the PGA TOUR for over four decades. One of the largest sporting events in Palm Beach County, the tournament has a significant impact on the local economy. In 2023, the tournament attracted over 200,000 attendees to the area and generated over $40 million in economic impact. Since 2007, the event has found its home on The Champion Course at PGA National Resort, contributing significantly to the region's exposure and economic growth. The annual televised coverage on NBC and the Golf Channel draws over 16 million viewers annually, firmly establishing it as a key event in Palm Beach County's  event portfolio and a fixture in the world of professional golf.

With its rich history, star-studded champions, and tremendous impact on children's charities, the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches will continue to showcase our region as Florida’s Golf Capital.

For more information on the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, please visit CognizantClassic.com.

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