ORLANDO, FL (January 15, 2008) – Buick-Pontiac-GMC, the provider of official vehicles for Arnold Palmer's golf tournament for almost three decades, will take on the title of Associate Sponsor for the 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.
The enhanced position for Buick-Pontiac-GMC will mean greater hospitality and commercial opportunities in the PGA TOUR event scheduled for the week of March 10-16 at the Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Florida. The first tournament at Bay Hill was in 1979, and next year's will be celebrated as the 30th gathering here of the world's leading professional golfers.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard is listed annually among the top-10 tournaments in the world, according to the Official World Golf Ranking, and past winners include defending champion Vijay Singh, four-time winner Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Payne Stewart, Paul Azinger, Fuzzy Zoeller, Fred Couples, Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw.
"Buick-Pontiac-GMC have been with us all the while, and it is only fitting that they now be recognized as an Associate Sponsor," said Palmer, whose name was placed on the tournament title of the former Bay Hill Invitational in 2007 by PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem, at the suggestion of Palmer's family.
“Our new designation as an Associate Sponsor of the Arnold Palmer Invitational is not only a testament of our enduring commitment to this prestigious tournament, but to Mr. Palmer who has been a long time General Motors dealer,†said Jim Bunnell, general manager, Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “We are proud to associate our Buick-Pontiac-GMC brands with one of the most highly regarded legends in golf, and to have the opportunity to showcase our diverse product portfolio that represents the same prestige and heritage as this illustrious event.â€
An array of vehicles illustrating the breadth of Buick-Pontiac-GMC’s 2008 product portfolio will be on display at the event including: the all-new, luxury crossover Buick Enclave, which combines segment-leading fuel efficiency with elegant styling; the powerful Pontiac Solstice, capable of kicking out 260 horsepower; and the GMC Yukon Denali, which offers a unique blend of style, performance and refinement. Tournament attendees will also be able to visit the Buick Clubhouse Mobile Experience, which offers guests an opportunity to experience the brand first-hand through a Tiger Woods photo fantasy theatre, live demonstrations, vehicle interaction and video footage.
MasterCard has been the presenting sponsor of the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 2004, and Buick-Pontiac-GMC will be joining Hertz and UBS as Associate Sponsors.
About Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard
Formerly the Bay Hill Invitational, the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will celebrate its 30th annual tournament March 10-16, 2008. The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is one of Central Florida’s signature events, a premier sporting event and a highlight of the PGA TOUR, attracting some of the greatest talent in golf. The entire event is overseen and directed by one of the game’s all-time greats - Arnold Palmer. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, including the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com.