US golf’s top-tier PGA Tour and Japanese consulting firm Baycurrent have announced a multi-year agreement for the firm to become the new title sponsor of the PGA Tour’s annual Japanese event, which will be renamed as the Baycurrent Classic.
The event will also relocate in 2025, moving to Yokohama Country Club in Kanagawa, and will be contested as part of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Fall.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said: “Since 2019, the PGA Tour’s first and only official event in Japan has played a pivotal role in further connecting the PGA Tour and our players to the passionate golf fans of this great country.
“The pride Baycurrent holds for both its home country and the game of golf will ensure this tournament continues to make meaningful contributions to our game’s growth in Japan and across Asia while showcasing the world’s best to a global audience. We are also excited about the event’s new home, Yokohama Country Club, one of Japan’s premier golf clubs located in close proximity to Tokyo’s city center.”
Chris Lee, PGA Tour senior vice president and managing director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region: “Yokohama Country Club is a world-class venue that will truly test our players skills and thanks to Baycurrent’s vision, the Baycurrent Classic will continue to offer an opportunity for the next generation of Japanese stars to see how they stack up against the best golfers in the world."
Yoshiyuki Abe, Baycurrent president and representative director, added: “We have been fortunate to be associated with the PGA Tour’s global brand for a number of years. We are confident that through golf, a sport beloved across borders, generations, and genders, we can further enhance our recognition and corporate value both domestically and internationally.”
The PGA Tour opened its APAC headquarters in Tokyo in 2016, and debuted its first annually sanctioned PGA Tour tournament in Japan in 2019.
In terms of title sponsorship deals for events on the PGA Tour, early October saw the Wayne-Sanderson Farms US poultry production company extend its agreement with the annual PGA Tour tournament held in Mississippi, US, under the Sanderson Farms Championship name.
Earlier this week, the PGA Tour also announced the formation of a Creator Council, formed of social media influencers and brands.
The body will be made up of 10 content creators and brands who will meet regularly with media, marketing, and communications team members from the PGA Tour to develop strategies for content development and fan engagement.
