PGA TOUR, Heritage Classic search for 2011 sponsor

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Badz/PGA TOUR

Brian Gay closed with a 7-under 64 to put the finishing touch on a 10-stroke victory at the 2009 Verizon Heritage.

The PGA TOUR and Heritage Classic Foundation, host organization for the Verizon Heritage, announced today that Verizon will not renew as the tournament's title sponsor after the current contract expires following the 2010 event, and that they will immediately begin the search for a new sponsor.

"The Heritage is a well-run, terrific event that includes the wonderful charitable work of its Foundation," said Becky Carr, senior vice president of marketing for Verizon Business. "Although we've enjoyed an outstanding partnership with the Heritage, we decided that given the global scope of our business, it made sense to restructure our future involvement with the PGA TOUR to focus on select PGA TOUR events that will provide Verizon Business with more opportunities for business development throughout the year.

"Golf and the PGA TOUR will continue to be an important element in Verizon Business' future plans," Carr continued. "Post-sponsorship, the Verizon Foundation also will explore potential partnerships with the Heritage Classic Foundation in the areas of education, health and safety."

"We certainly appreciate the wonderful support Verizon Business has provided as a title sponsor for more than 20 years and are pleased that it has expressed interest in continuing its support of the Heritage Classic Foundation beyond next year, as well as remaining involved with the PGA TOUR," said Rick George, Chief of Operations for the PGA TOUR. "We will work closely with the Heritage Classic Foundation in an effort to secure a new title sponsor. In the meantime, we look forward to an outstanding Verizon Heritage in 2010."

Verizon first began sponsoring the tournament in 1987 as MCI. Since that time, nearly $20 million has been distributed to charities throughout South Carolina and Georgia, including $1.3 million in 2009. Additionally, the tournament has an estimated $84 million impact on South Carolina's economy, according to a Clemson University study.

"Verizon has been a valuable partner of the Heritage Classic Foundation, the PGA TOUR and the Hilton Head community since 1987 and we are grateful for all that it has done as title sponsor," said Simon Fraser, Chairman of the Heritage Classic Foundation. "While we are certainly disappointed that this longstanding partnership is coming to an end, we look forward to working with Verizon for the final year of its commitment and hosting a very successful tournament."

The Verizon Heritage has been a popular fixture on the PGA TOUR since 1969, and Harbour Town Golf Links is recognized as one of the favorite courses among the players. Brian Gay won this year's Verizon Heritage in April in record-setting fashion, closing with a 7-under 64 for a 10-stroke victory. He broke the 13-year scoring record, finishing 20-under 264 on his way to his second PGA TOUR victory.