It was welcome news, inasmuch as it was news, that Royal Bank of Canada has agreed to become the title sponsor of the Heritage, rescuing one of the more popular PGA Tour events that was first played in 1969.
On April 25, Dave Shedloski wrote for Golf World Monday that RBC was on the threshold of adding the Heritage to its growing presence in golf.
RBC already sponsors the Canadian Open and has endorsement contracts with Luke Donald, Anthony Kim, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar and Ernie Els.
"We are delighted that RBC, already a great partner of the PGA Tour as title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open, has made this significant commitment to secure the Heritage's future," PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said in a news release. "I know today's announcement is welcome news to everyone who has been involved with and supported the tournament."
The Heritage, won by Brandt Snedeker in a playoff with Donald, was played this year without a title sponsor, but could not have continued in 2012 unless it found one. RBC has agreed to a five-year commitment.
Here is the PGA Tour's news release.
-- John Strege
