Champions Tour Event in Savannah Renews Contract with Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort

Tournament officials announced Wednesday that the Champions Tour event in Savannah, now called the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf, has extended its contract with the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa through 2013.

The tournament’s executive director, Joe Rotellini, also unveiled a new logo for the event at a press conference.

Celebrating 10 years in Savannah and 35 years as an event, the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf is considered the founding tournament on the PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour for players age 50+. The 2012 event will be held April 16-22 and will feature a $2.7 million purse.

Since the tournament’s arrival in Savannah in 2003, the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf has had a significant economic impact on the community and has generated close to $1.5 millions for charities in the region.

“To celebrate these important milestones in the same year that we debut the tournament’s new name and logo is very exciting,” said Paul Alexander, Liberty Mutual Insurance senior vice president, communications. “We appreciate the wonderful support that we’ve received over the years from the City of Savannah, our partners at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort & Spa, and the volunteers and golf fans, who, along with the tournament’s legendary players, help make this a truly memorable event.”

Mark Spadoni, General Manager of The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort, said: “We are delighted that Liberty Mutual Insurance has committed to Savannah to stay through 2013. It is a tribute to the destination and all of the people within our community who extend warm hospitality year after year to all of their visiting guests. We are proud of the partnership that the Westin, the community, the PGA TOUR and Liberty Mutual Insurance has formed over these past 10 years and are looking forward to making this year’s 10th event in Savannah for all of their guests extra special. We are already thinking about ways to convince Liberty Mutual Insurance to stay in Savannah beyond 2013.”

Located in the heart of Savannah’s River District, the Champions Tour’s annual stop in coastal Georgia has been a favorite for both fans and players alike. The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa is Savannah’s only AAA Four-Diamond property that features beautifully appointed guest rooms, banquet facilities and public spaces. The resort’s par-72 Club at Savannah Harbor course was designed by renowned architects Bob Cupp and Sam Snead and opened in 1999.

“Having an event of this caliber in Savannah for another year is fantastic news for the community,” said Bill Hubbard, Savannah Chamber president and CEO. “In addition to having a positive economic impact on local businesses and charities, the international telecast allows us to showcase our wonderful city to potential visitors around the world. We thank Liberty Mutual Insurance, the Westin, PGA TOUR and other sponsors for their continued support of this event and the community.”

Champions Tour President Mike Stevens said, commented: “The city of Savannah has really embraced this event over the past decade, demonstrating to our players, sponsors and fans the true meaning of Southern hospitality. We are pleased to be returning to Savannah in 2013 and very proud to celebrate our 33-year long partnership with Liberty Mutual Insurance, as it is one of the longest-standing relationships in all of sports.”

“We are very excited about having the tournament in Savannah for at least the next two years and hopefully many more after that,” added the tournament’s volunteer chairman, Al Kennickell. “The Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf has been a great fit for Savannah and it is thrilling that we have some of the greatest golfers who have ever played the game playing in our event. We have also been blessed with a great group of volunteers, many who have been working our event for all ten years it has been in Savannah. Lastly we can’t forget the charity dollars that have gone to aid local organizations. Thank you to Liberty Mutual Insurance, the Westin and the PGA TOUR.”

The Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf’s unique format features a total of three team competitions during the week, starting with the Demaret Division on Monday and Tuesday, followed by the Raphael Division on Friday and Saturday. Official competition begins with the Legends Division, a 54-hole better-ball competition, on Friday, April 20. David Eger and Mark McNulty are defending champions.