Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii, Jan. 4, 2013 – The Hyundai Tournament of Champions, the PGA TOUR’s traditional season-opening event, starts today at The Plantation Course, Kapalua Resort in Maui, Hawaii. The winners-only tournament features 30 champions from the 2012 PGA TOUR season, which includes 16 of the top 30 from the final 2012 FedExCup standings, the most from the top 30 ever to play at this event since the debut of the FedExCup six years ago.
Hyundai’s title sponsorship of the tournament is a pillar of its sports marketing strategy, positioning the Hyundai brand in the highest profile venues, including advertising during the NFL’s Super Bowl, a global sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup™ and an expansive, multi-pronged college football marketing program.
“The Hyundai Tournament of Champions is an opportunity for us to continue our momentum from a strong 2012 and showcase our vehicles with the top players in the world and the passionate fans that follow golf,” said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “This year, we are also looking forward to expanding our charitable integration with our non-profit organization, Hyundai Hope On Wheels which is hosting a 5K Run/Walk to raise money for pediatric cancer research in Hawaii.”
During the tournament week, the PGA TOUR players have the option of driving Hyundai’s flagship Equus sedan, Genesis sedan or the all-new Santa Fe Sport for use around Maui. These Hyundai vehicles, as well as Azera, Sonata Hybrid and Genesis Coupe will be featured throughout the Plantation course and Kapalua resort, demonstrating Hyundai’s dynamic vehicle lineup. The winner of this year’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions will receive an Equus premium luxury sedan to drive complimentary for an entire year.
The Hyundai Tournament of Champions has a special commitment to Hawaii and Maui communities and this year numerous local charities will benefit from donations by Hyundai and the tournament organizers. Hope On Wheels, Hyundai’s non-profit organization committed to the fight against pediatric cancer, is expanding its presence with the 2013 Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk in Maui, taking place on Saturday, January 5 at 7:00 a.m. at Whalers Village in Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii. The net proceeds raised at the 5K will benefit a partnership between Maui Memorial Hospital, Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women Children and the Hawaii Cord Blood Bank to support cancer research in Hawaii. As part of this 5K event, Hope On Wheels will also award a $75,000 Hyundai Scholar Grant to Kapi‘olani Medical Center.
The tournament began with the Pro-Am on Thursday, January 3, continuing with four rounds of professional competition Friday, January 4 through Monday, January 7. The Golf Channel will broadcast all four days of the tournament with live coverage Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern, Sunday 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern and final round coverage on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern. On Sunday, NBC will lead into Golf Channel’s coverage with pre-game analysis and live play from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
Follow the tournament on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HyundaiTOC and on Twitter @HyundaiTOC1 to get updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the tournament.