Southern Company now a 'Proud Partner'
<p>With a renewed and strengthened partnership, Southern Company, Coca-Cola and the PGA TOUR announced today that the TOUR Championship will stay in Atlanta through 2020. Southern Company is now a Proud Partner of the TOUR Championship alongside Coca-Cola. Both companies continue to elevate the status of Atlanta as a premiere sports city.</p>
<p>These partnerships enable the TOUR Championship to bring viewers at home a presentation with limited commercials of the final nine holes of the final round on Sunday, September 25 on NBC.</p>
<p>"The format will allow us to better tell stories and build drama as players vie for golf's richest prize," said Mike McCarly, president of NBC Sports Group.</p>
<p>"As Atlanta-based companies, their longstanding commitment to the tournament reflects their investment in and passionate support of their home community. Now, as we strive to continue the growth and impact of the TOUR Championship, their newly defined roles as Proud Partners will play a critical role in further elevating the tournament's stature in the coming years," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.</p>
<p>The new partnership comes after other improvements to the tournament, such as flipping the front and back nine holes. The move gives players a more challenging finish, more possible lead changes and an 18th hole with a difficult par 5, instead of the original par 3.</p>
<p>"Southern Company is pleased to continue our partnership with the PGA TOUR and the TOUR Championship, and we are very excited about the changes being made to the tournament," said CEO Tom Fanning. "And, we are also excited that the proceeds from the TOUR Championship directly benefit the East Lake Foundation and its programs to improve the overall quality of life within the community and neighborhood."</p>
<p>"Fans should thank our partners at Coca-Cola, Southern Company, East Lake Golf Club and the PGA TOUR for these changes, which will help elevate the TOUR Championship and its presentation on Golf Channel and NBC," said McCarly. Southern Company will also maintain its status as the Official Energy Company of the TOUR Championship and the presenting sponsor of the Payne Stewart Award.</p>
