The PGA Tour and Honda have reached an agreement to extend the automaker’s title sponsorship of the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. event. Honda signed a four-year extension to keep their name on the event through 2016.
“We’re particularly pleased with the direction and identity of the Honda Classic after undergoing several significant changes five years ago, including the involvement of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus,” said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem in a release.
Five years ago, Jack Nicklaus became the de facto host of the Honda. He redesigned the Champion Course at PGA National in 2001, which became host of the event in 2007. In the same year, Children’s Healthcare Charity became the host organization of the tournament, with Barbara Nicklaus serving as chairperson. The Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation is the primary charitable beneficiary of the tournament.
With Tiger Woods moving to nearby Jupiter Island, the Honda has essentially become the new home game for the 14-time major winner. He is making his first professional start in the event this week.
In addition to the participation of Woods and involvement of the Nicklaus family, a strong international field has become a staple of an event which boasts dozens of touring pros as locals.
Honda is the longest-running continuous title sponsor on the PGA Tour, having their name on this tournametn since 1982.