“The many players I have spoken to are all thrilled with the return of the PNC Father/Son Challenge, and are also grateful to PNC for their support as new title sponsor, allowing this great event to continue” said Palmer. “The Father/Son Challenge has always allowed us to share our passion for the game of golf with those who we love the most, and I’m looking forward to being able to participate again. This year’s PNC Father/Son Challenge promises to be even more special with a new year, new players to be announced soon, and an exciting new host course at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes.”
To qualify for the PNC Father/Son Challenge, participants must have won either a major championship or Players Championship in their career. The professional’s partner must not have held a Tour card at any point, and while the majority of partners in the history of the event have been the sons of the golf legends, the family-themed tournament has seen a daughter, grandson, and even close family friends participate over the years. The 18-team field competes in a scramble format over 36 holes for the $1 Million prize purse and the Willie Park trophy, named after Willie Park, and his son Willie Park Jr., who combined to win the British Open five times.
“The PNC Father/Son Challenge perfectly reflects the values and focus on relationships that are so important to PNC as a company, and we look forward to celebrating the event’s return with the partners and many fans in just a few months,” said James E. Rohr, chairman and chief executive officer of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., which was announced as new title sponsor of the PNC Father/Son Challenge in March. “The chance to see many of the best golfers in the game will be special for everyone, but we are equally as excited about the opportunity to leave an important legacy by assisting the Arnold Palmer Hospitals for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.”
A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Arnold Palmer Hospitals for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando. The event will again be broadcast on NBC.
About PNC
PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation’s
largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized
services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth
management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academies; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.
About NBC Sports Group
When the Comcast-NBCUniversal transaction was completed in January 2011, the broad reach and storied history of NBC Sports united with Comcast’s 24/7 ability to super-serve fans to create the NBC Sports Group. The sports media company consists of an array of broadcast television, cable television and digital sports assets, including NBC Sports & Olympics, Golf Channel, NBC Sports Network, 11 SportNets (regional sports networks), and their respective digital properties. Together, the assets of the NBC Sports Group possess an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, MLS, Tour de France, French Open, IndyCar, and many more.
About Grande Lakes Orlando
Grande Lakes Orlando is a unique 500-acre resort with a luxury 582-room Ritz-Carlton and deluxe 1,000-room JW Marriott hotel. The resort offers the culinary mastery of award-winning chefs Norman Van Aken at The Ritz-Carlton and Melissa Kelly at the JW Marriott as well as new total-wellness inspired treatment programs at The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Golf Digest Schools’ golf instruction at the 18-hole Greg Norman championship golf course. Reflecting the resort's natural surroundings, the Grande Lakes Outfitters program includes kayak and canoe eco-tours, an on-site fly-fishing school, guided bird watching tours and nature hikes. The estate is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks. For more information visit www.grandelakes.com