Nationwide Tour feels the money pinch

Next week's Nationwide Tour Players Cup at Pete Dye GC in Bridgeport, W. Va., was to have been one of three $1 million events on the developmental circuit in 2009. However, the recession has forced the tour to reduce the purse to $600,000.

"We all recognize the economy has had a negative effect on golf sponsorships, and nowhere has it had more impact than the Nationwide Tour Players Cup with its coal industry-related sponsor base," said Nationwide Tour President Bill Calfee, in a prepared statement.

There have been no changes to the purses of the tour's other top events—the Soboba Classic at the CC at Soboba Springs, San Jacinto, Calif., and the Nationwide Tour Championship at the Daniel Island Club outside, Charleston, S.C.

"Despite the reduced purse, the [Players Cup] will produce a record charitable contribution this year as a result of the 'Tickets FORE Charity' program, with at least $125,000 going to West Virginia organizations," Calfee said. "The tournament will also deliver significant economic impact to the region as well as tremendous media exposure for West Virginia."

-- John Antonini