PGA Tour and money

It is reported that the donation to charity is going to cut down to 14%. And the global economic downturn is the main reason for the Tour’s policy.

PGA Tour events are structured as nonprofit organizations that donate proceeds to local charities. Finchem, commissioner, said the tour last year raised $124 million for charity, and his estimate means the tour is on pace to give $12 million to $17 million less in 2009.

Still, Finchem was optimistic that the tour will weather the meltdown in good financial shape.

"We cut some costs. We didn't do a head-count reduction. We've slowed hiring somewhat," Finchem said. "We have more sponsors today, when you take into account our marketing partners, than we've ever had. We have the same number of tournaments, the same amount of television to get out the door, the same international distribution."

The tour has seen economic news both good and bad this year. It recently added its first new title sponsor — SBS International — since the start of the meltdown and has agreed to contract extensions for four other tournaments through 2014. However, the tour is losing title sponsors at three other events.

"We continue to be optimistic," Finchem said. "We think this is cyclical, and we're taking steps that allow us to be stronger coming out than when we went in."

TaylorMade R9 Driver;        Callaway X-22 Irons;

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