Press Release

SKYCADDIE TO BE TITLE

SPONSOR OF PGA FOUR

-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP

A brand new future has been mapped out for the popular PGA Four-ball Championship after SkyCaddie agreed to take over as title sponsor.
It marks a step up for the leading range-finder manufacturer which has assumed the role of principal sponsor for the next two years ,having been a support sponsor last year.
This year's 54-hole SkyCaddie PGA Four-ball Championship final, which carries a top prize of £5,000, will again be staged at Yorkshire's Fulford Golf Club in October, the scene of Matt Morris' and Adrian Carey's victory last year.
PGA chief executive Sandy Jones, pictured right, said: "The four-ball format is great for all of our members who enjoy playing competitive golf but may not be at their playing peak because of work commitments.
"This tournament allows players to come out and get a score with the backing of a partner rather than being exposed on what may turn out to be a 'bad day at the office'.
"Instead, this is a comfortable format to give those players who don't compete on a regular basis an opportunity to play their golf.
"It is also one which gives our members a rare opportunity to meet up with old friends and play competitive golf with a sense of team spirit."
Jones is also appreciative of SkyCaddie's support not only of the tournament but the PGA as a whole.
"We're delighted to have such a good relationship with SkyCaddie, whose product we firmly believe is the way forward for golf," he added.
"It's good to see a sponsor recognise the PGA members and club professionals as a vital conduit to the golfing public."
SkyCaddie's UK managing director Jackie Hitchcock expressed her delight at further strengthening their ties with the tournament, which will see rainwear specialists Sunderland adopt support sponsorship.
"SkyCaddie is delighted to be part of such a great championship," said Hitchcock."PGA professionals from all over the country support this event and the Four-ball Championship is a way for us to show our support to the PGA professional. We look forward to a great tournament."
Last year's tournament was significant as it broke new ground as the first PGA national event to sanction the use of range-finders, which was deemed an overwhelming success in sustaining the pace of play.
That success has led to GPS hand-held devices being allowed in all PGA national tournaments this year.
Hitchcock is aware of the impact of range-finders last year and expects it to increase further this after the initial test run in the PGA Four-ball Championship.
"We tested the use of the SkyCaddie in full tournament play at this event in 2007 and the SkyCaddie was well received by all. We saw the pace of play improve and at the end of the tournament the pace of play stayed within the time allotted for the event. This is obviously very pleasing to players and the PGA officials running the event.
"The 2008 season will surely be very interesting as more and more professionals embrace the new technology, not only for use in their own play but also as teaching and coaching."
+The Scottish Regional Qualifier for the SkyCaddie PGA Fourball Championship will be held at Musselburgh Golf Club on Friday, August 15.
Visit www.PGA.info for up to date reports and scores from the SkyCaddie PGA Fourball Championship and all PGA tournaments.