West Penn Open Welcomes PNC Bank As Sponsor PITTSBURGH, July 25, 2007 - PNC Bank, a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., will sponsor the historic West Penn Open beginning next year for three Opens, 2008-2010, it was announced today. The area's oldest golf championship, along with the West Penn Amateur, is conducted by the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association. "We're delighted to have this relationship with PNC Bank, and look forward to this partnership," commented Jeff Rivard, WPGA Executive Director. The Open has been played since 1899, interrupted only twice during the World War years: 1917-18 and 1943-45. Champions include four previous U.S. Open winners: Sam PArks, 1940; Lew Worsham, 1593 and 1958; Arnold Palmer, 1957; and Ed Furgol, 1965. Another notable Open champion is Jock Hutchinson, who won the championship five times in six years (1911-12, 1914-16) and then won the 1920 PGA Championship and the 1921 British Open. With its storied history, strong courses, competitive purse and excellent field, the West Penn Open is regarded as the most prestigious Championship in the area. PNC Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Pennsylvania, will provide $5,000 annually for the professional's purse during the next three years, plus other consideration. The West Penn Open is open to professionals and amateurs with USGA Handicap Indexes of 2.4 or lower, who reside in Western Pennsylvania. It is played just after the July 4th holiday, and the competition is 36 holes of stroke play. |
|
|
Copyright © Western Pennsylvania Golf Association 2008