GolfNewsRI

This will be the last year of the Honda Classic. 

According to a report from Golfweek, Honda will end it’s sponsorship of the tournament after the 2023 season. 

Honda was previously the longest running title sponsorship on the PGA Tour, having started in 1982. 

“When Honda became title sponsor of the Honda Classic, the company was preparing to make the popular Accord in the United States for the first time. At that time Honda aspired to become a household name, and has since achieved that goal. Accordingly, the role of the Honda Classic in our marketing strategy has evolved, and we have decided to conclude our sponsorship of the event. Now, as our marketing mix has evolved, Honda is focused on other tools to introduce our brand to consumers and to create the kind of customer experience that will contribute to their lifetime owner loyalty,” said Honda in a statement to Golfweek. 

According to Golfweek, the tournament has contributed more than $50 million to national and local charities. 

“We’re so appreciative of 42 years of title sponsorship. You look at the impact they made, $60 million plus to charity and helped us grow this to 200,000-plus on-site each year. Collectively as a community we own them a huge thank you,” Tournament director Andrew George told Golfweek. 

The tournament itself is likely to continue and work is underway on a new sponsor.