With mountains of snow on the ground and more on the way, golf is the last thing on most people’s minds.
But on Thursday organizers of the Thunder Bay Golf Classic had visions of wedge shots dancing in their heads as they announced another milestone on the route to bring professional golf back to the city.
The group confirmed Tbaytel has climbed on board as a presenting sponsor of the PGA Tour Canada event, slated for Whitewater Golf Course in mid-July.
“I think it’s important for us to get involved in certainly sporting events (of) a level and calibre that this is going to bring to the community,” said Dan Topatigh, Tbaytel’s president and CEO.
“It’s not something we’ve seen for quite some time in the city of Thunder Bay and we felt it was important to get behind an organization and a very strong organizing committee that is dedicated to bring this event here and helping to bring our community together to see a strong and vibrant event.”
Details and dollar amounts of the sponsorship were not released.
But sponsoring sporting events is nothing new for TbayTel.
As the telecommunications sponsor, Topatigh said they’ll get plenty of exposure over their three-year commitment.
They’ll also be providing wireless service to the golf course for patrons and players alike to help deliver the event to the world.
“But also, we’re really looking to be the economic driver in the community when we can and a leading corporate citizen,” he said.
Tournament executive director Scott Smith said the partnership is a key cog in ensuring the event goes off without a hitch.
“It was very important to have a presenting sponsor and right from the beginning Tbaytel was one of our main prospects for it. We are really happy they have decided to come on board with us,” Smith said.
“They are really one of the stronger community supporters in this community.”
Smith added they expect to name a title sponsor in the coming weeks.
The Thunder Bay Golf Classic is scheduled to run from July 14 to July 20.
