Sony extends long-running backing of PGA Tour event

Japanese electronics company Sony has renewed its title sponsorship of PGA Tour golf event the Sony Open.

Sony will continue to sponsor the tournament, which takes place annually in Hawaii, until 2022.

Sony has supported the event since 1999, with the 2018 tournament to mark its 20th year as title sponsor.

“As we approach the 20th anniversary of Sony’s sponsorship of the Sony Open in Hawaii, it’s important to recognise the impact Sony has had on the tournament’s stability, success and growth since 1999,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said. “We congratulate Sony for reaching this milestone in 2018 as one of our longest continuous tournament sponsors, and we thank them for extending this outstanding partnership for another four years.”

The tournament has been held at Waialae Country Club since its debut in 1965. In 1999, Friends of Hawaii Charities, became the host organisation and Sony became title sponsor. The following year, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, became the Sony Open’s charity partner. Since 1999, approximately $17m (€14.7m) has been distributed to 350 Hawaii not-for-profit organisations. More than $1m has been raised annually since 2005.

Corbett Kalama, president of Friends of Hawaii Charities, said “This generous sponsorship commitment of Sony Corporation and of charity partner The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc., coupled with the steadfast support of Waialae Country Club and over 1,500 world-class volunteers, is the recipe that makes Hawaii charities the biggest winners each year at the Sony Open.

“Additionally, the valuable support of the State of Hawaii and Hawaii Tourism Authority for the Sony Open in Hawaii, gives the world a window into our tropical paradise during the winter months, ultimately benefitting the tourism industry. Working together, we are committed to increasing annual charitable giving to over $1.2m to support Hawaii’s children, women, elderly, and impoverished.”

The 2018 Sony Open takes place at Waialae Country Club from January 8-14. Justin Thomas (pictured) is the defending champion. Next year’s tournament will ensure Sony ties for the third-longest tenured title sponsor on the PGA Tour.