On Friday, the PGA Tour and Travelers made sure there will be many more tournaments in the Greater Hartford Area.
That will insure the survival of the tournament, which has, began as the Insurance City Open in 1952. “We are pleased to pick up the option and we in fact committed until 2014,” Travelers CEO Jay S. Fishman said at a downtown news conference where he was joined by Governor M. Jodi Rell. “It’s great for our business, great for our community, and great for the charities we support.” Gov. Rell will be the honorary chairperson of the 2009 tournament. “Now, more than ever, our state can benefit from the positive economic impact and charity funds that result from the tournament,” Rell said. “As one of just 21 states to host a PGA Tour event, our community is indebted to Travelers for their commitment to this event which brings such tremendous benefits to our community.” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, out at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am this week, welcomed the news. “When you have six years to plan, it allows for participation to work in an effective way,” Finchem said by satellite while at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
This year’s tournament will take place on June 22-28 at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. Last year’s winner was Stewart Cink and this year’s tournament figures to have one of the best fields in tournament history.