Travelers extends sponsorship through 2014

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HARTFORD, Conn. - The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced today that it has extended its sponsorship of the Travelers Championship by four years through 2014. Travelers' original four-year agreement was through 2010.

The announcement came during a morning press conference in Hartford that also introduced Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell as the 2009 Travelers Championship Honorary Chairwoman. PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem participated via videoconference from Pebble Beach, Calif.

"As a longtime supporter of the tournament and the Greater Hartford community, Travelers stepped up to become title sponsor in 2007, thus ensuring the PGA TOUR's continued presence in the Hartford area," Finchem said. "Travelers has been an outstanding partner of the tournament host organization and the PGA TOUR, and we are delighted that it will continue to sponsor the Travelers Championship through 2014."

The 2009 Travelers Championship will be held June 22-28 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn.

"Our sponsorship of the Travelers Championship has been a great investment for our business and the community, and we're excited to extend our partnership with the PGA TOUR through 2014," said Jay Fishman, Chairman and CEO of Travelers. "The Travelers Championship provides a tremendous opportunity to support the community and continue raising significant funds for local charities. It's been an important part of the sports history in Connecticut and we're committed as ever to help make it a first-rate event for players, sponsors and the fans."

The Travelers Championship has generated more than $26 million for charities throughout Connecticut since its inception in 1952, including $760,000 in 2008. The tournament has two primary beneficiaries -- The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and the Greater Hartford Jaycees -- but also supports more than 120 charities throughout the state. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a residential summer camp and year-round center designed to serve children and families coping with cancer and other serious illnesses. It was founded in 1988 by the late Paul Newman.

"Having a local title sponsor, particularly one that is so dedicated to the success of this tournament, is incredibly important to the current and future impact of the tournament," said Travelers Championship Tournament Director Nathan Grube. "Travelers truly has embraced the event, becoming very active in terms of promotion and activating around it, including employee volunteerism. Needless to say, we are extremely pleased to know that now we will be partnering with Travelers for at least the next six years."

The Travelers Championship also has been recognized by the PGA TOUR for its on-site branding efforts, earning an award for "Best PGA TOUR Branding and Signage" for its initiatives at the 2008 event. The tournament was cited for its overall presentation for spectators and the televised broadcast. Grube credited Travelers for the recognition.

"The incredible branding extends from Travelers," Grube said. "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."

Stewart Cink is the defending champion. Last year, he captured his fifth PGA TOUR title, and second at the Travelers Championship, by defeating Hunter Mahan and Tommy Armour III by one stroke.