Report: AT&T To End Byron Nelson Championship Sponsorship
According to Golfweek, AT&T are reportedly set to end their sponsorship of the Byron Nelson
First reported by Golfweek, AT&T, who sponsor both the Pebble Beach Classic and Byron Nelson Championship, have reportedly asked out of its sponsorship of the Byron Nelson after this year.
However, in another twist, it was reportedly stated by multiple sources that Raytheon Technologies, who are an aerospace and defense company, was set to take over the Byron Nelson but PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, stopped the deal after it was revealed that Raytheon had sold missiles to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund backs the LIV Golf League, who are currently involved in a courtroom battle with the PGA Tour.
One tournament director, who spoke about the potential deal, stated that: “The optics were not good. I give Jay credit for stepping in and making the right call," with the decline due to the fact that, in August, the US State Department approved the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia.
Golfweek reported that Raytheon’s involvement and a potential $3 billion deal led the Tour and Monahan to think twice about such an arrangement. Neither Raytheon Technologies nor AT&T have commented on the matter.
So, what is next for AT&T, who became the head sponsor of the Byron Nelson in 2015? Well, after a near 10-year run, they are set to stand down but it is not thought that they will move away from the PGA Tour completely, with the company reportedly staying as the sponsor for the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
In 2023-24, it has been claimed that the Pebble Beach Pro-Am will become a designated tournament on the PGA Tour schedule, with an event purse increase to $20 million which significantly will come from the tournament sponsor.
Although a full PGA Tour schedule has not been announced for 2023-24, we do know that Myrtle Beach will stage a new PGA Tour tournament to be held as an alternate to a designated event. A date has yet to be announced, but the Tour has stated that it will be a “full-field additional event played the same week as a designated event” on the 2024 calendar, with it being held at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
One big talking point though has been the introduction of limited field, no-cut events, with the news causing a significant amount of backlash. Despite this, Monahan is prepared to push on with the idea of no-cut events despite criticism from some players. Per Bob Harig at Sports Illustrated, Monahan said during the latest designated event, the Wells Fargo Championship: "Our preference would be no-cut events."
It's not just the PGA Tour which has had sponsorship news as, on the DP World Tour, Porsche could drop their name from the European Open, a tournament they've supported since 2015. This comes after the DP World Tour announced a number of sanctions for those who played on the LIV circuit, with Paul Casey and Martin Kaymer amongst the 26 who received fines and suspensions.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
Are You Falling Out Of Love With Golf? Here Are 4 Reasons Why You Should Carry On...
Fergus Bisset suggests why, no matter how much golf has been annoying and disappointing you, the sport always deserves another chance.
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren On Site As Charlie Woods' School Earns Chance To Defend State Title
Charlie Woods and his The Benjamin School teammates did enough to progress in the Class 1A Region 4 tournament at Miami Shores Country Club on Monday
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Mexico Open Prize Money Payout 2024
Tony Finau defends his title in a tournament offering $400,000 more than the 2023 edition
By Mike Hall Published
-
How To Watch LIV Golf Chicago: Live Stream The Action
Follow a LIV Golf Chicago Live Stream to see all the action. Sebastián Muñoz goes into the final round three shots clear
By Roderick Easdale Last updated
-
How To Watch LIV Golf Bedminster: Live Stream The Action
Cameron Smith takes a one-shot lead into the final round. Follow a LIV Golf Bedminster Live Stream to see all the action
By Roderick Easdale Last updated
-
LIV Golf Greenbrier Live Stream: How To Watch All The Action
Matthew Wolff and David Puig are joint leaders going into the final day. Follow a LIV Golf Greenbrier Live Stream to see all the action
By Roderick Easdale Last updated
-
LIV Golf London Live Stream: Watch The Latest LIV Tournament
TV schedule and final round tee times and pairings for the Centurion Club, where Cameron Smith is overnight leader
By Roderick Easdale Last updated
-
13-Year-Old Makes History At Challenge Tour Event
Louis Klein shot two rounds of level-par to become the youngest player to make a Challenge Tour cut at just 13-years-old
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Former US Amateur Champion Returns As Paul Casey Replacement
Andy Ogletree will play for Crushers GC after injury forces Paul Casey's withdrawal from the Washington DC tournament
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Feel Awful' - Paul Casey After PGA Championship Withdrawal
Casey had been given an invitation into the tournament, but was forced to withdraw due to aggravating a toe and knee injury
By Matt Cradock Published