HTA and PGA TOUR Extend Partnership

The following statement was issued by the president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) George D. Szigeti, regarding news that a four-year extension has been reached with the PGA TOUR to continue supporting three championship golf tournaments in the Hawaiian Islands:

(l-r) Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner, with President and CEO of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, George D. Szigeti.

“When the New Year begins, the world of golf turns its attention to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands for championship tournaments in an unmatched setting,” Szigeti said. “I am proud to say that Hawai‘i will continue to own this honor in professional golf for the next four years through 2022, with the renewal of HTA’s official marketing partnership with the PGA TOUR.”

“Each January, sports fans everywhere can count on Hawai‘i being the picturesque backdrop over three consecutive weeks for the Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui, Sony Open in Hawai‘i on O‘ahu, and Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai on the island of Hawai‘i.” Szigeti stated.

“As regions throughout the country cope with winter’s icy chill each January, we will continue to celebrate the greatness of golf in Hawaii on some of the game’s most spectacular courses surrounded by some of the world’s most magnificent backdrops,” Szigeti continued. “Hour after hour of TV coverage provided by the Golf Channel will present an enticing incentive for viewers to plan a trip to their favorite island.”

“We are very grateful to PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and his entire team for being such a wonderful and supportive partner to the State of Hawai‘i. This new four-year agreement is a direct result of the PGA TOUR’s faith in the Hawaiian Islands as a world-class destination for golf,” stated Szigeti.

“Renewing this agreement on behalf of the Hawaiian Islands involved many people, but none bigger than John Monahan, the president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau,” Szigeti continued. “The gratitude of Hawai‘i’s tourism industry for his dedication to showcasing our beautiful islands.

“Hawai‘i’s ultimate ambassador of golf, Mark Rolfing, deserves enormous credit for the PGA TOUR having such a strong presence in Hawai‘i,” Szigeti said. “Mark is a respected voice in the global golfing industry whose opinion about the quality of Hawai‘i golf resonates with PGA TOUR officials.”

“The renewal of this official marketing partnership with the PGA TOUR exemplifies HTA’s sports marketing strategy to collaborate with major sports brands that bolster tourism – the state’s leading industry and provider of jobs – and are in keeping with Hawai‘i’s revered image,” stated Szigeti.

“The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and PGA TOUR have been proud partners since 2001, with this year marking the 18th anniversary of a match made in golfing heaven,” said Szigeti. “Hawai‘i has hosted the world’s best players, seen new stars emerge and witnessed thrilling highlights. We look forward to four more wonderful years of hosting the best in professional golf in the Hawaiian Islands.”