Corporate Sponsors Cutting Back at The Masters

No “Amen Corner” for corporate sponsors

Georgia’s Augusta National Country Club is a holy place for golf fans. It is there that each year since 1934, The Masters has been held. Luminaries of the fairway from Bobby Jones to Tiger Woods have tasted victory and donned the green jacket (a tradition since 1937). For corporate sponsors, The Masters has also been a place of great honor - and profit. Advertising comes at a premium, but the possible name recognition among the old guard of elite fans (read: elite businessmen) is priceless.

However, as Russ Bynum reports for the Huffington Post, big corporate sponsors who have received the cash advance of government bailout money may be staying home this time. Corporate chef Karl Kwoka has more cancellations than customers this year as four large corporations have backed out. For Kwoka, this means a loss of “more than $70,000,” not to mention temporary staff who won’t have a high-profile job to do.

“Mardi Gras” for the country club crowd

In its 75-year history, The Masters has earned its reputation as the “Mardi Gras for the country club crowd.” According to Bynum, The Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau estimate that the Masters brings over $100 million into the economy of the city. Typically, they depend upon “the Army’s Fort Gordon, a medical college, several hospitals and a smattering of manufacturing” to support the economy the rest of the year. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Corporate Sponsors Cutting Back at The Masters"