The Swiss watchmaker made a major breakthrough in the sport of golf in the USA, by signing the strategic marketing and sponsorship contract with the PGA of America. Omega will be the Official Timekeeper of the biggest sports organization in the world, for five years.
The new partnership that will carry through the PGA of America’s Centennial in 2016, will be presented for the first time at the 2011 PGA Championship, later this year, at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga.
For now on, Omega and the PGA of America, a sport organization that includes 27,000 professionals, will cooperate on the organization of great invents and tournaments in America, Europe and Asia. Stephen Urquhart, the president of the famous watch company said that the agreement gave “a fantastic platform to develop the Omega brand in the United States market”, since the PGA of America organizes two golf events with a world wide popularity – the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.
By signing the contract, the Swiss watchmaker has also agreed to become:
- The Official Timekeeper of the Senior PGA Championship, the PGA Championship and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf
- The Official Licensee of the 2012 and 2014 Ryder Cup
- The Presenting Sponsor and the Official Timekeeper of the PGA Professional National Championship, and
- The Official Timekeeper of PGA Golf Properties
“The PGA thanks OMEGA for its excitement in promoting the game and our brand, as well as OMEGA’s recognition of the important role PGA Professionals play in the growth of the sport,” said the PGA of America’s Chief Executive Officer, Joe Steranka. “We are delighted that OMEGA will become the Official Timekeeper, delivering quality service and technical support at our premier spectator and member championships.”
The Swiss watchmaker has strongly supported the PGA Professional National Championship and the Championship telecast on Golf Channel. Further, two exclusive programs – the member-benefit Omega timepiece program and the facility clock program – will be parts of a partnership and Omega’s clocks will be placed at PGA Golf Properties.
As a brand with a rich history in sports timekeeping, as well as the strong supporter of golf, Omega made another logical step forward in its expansion at the American market.