Biggest Point of Leverage for the CCG

Our local new station WFMY recently reported that there was a "looming" danger that Greensboro and the Greensboro Jaycees would lose the tournament. When asked for a response, tournament director, Mark Brazil was quoted as saying "the biggest point of leverage for the CCG is its rich 67-year history and its title sponsor Chrysler. Chrysler is the largest sponsor on the tour."

While I think that was a great quote and it probably made a lot of people feel better, I do feel the need to point out two things.

Chrysler can drop the Greensboro event and still maintain its standing as the largest sponsor on the TOUR.

The second thing that I think should be pointed out is that history does not mean the same thing to the PGA TOUR as it does to this community. Just review the article in the June 2004 Golf Digest entitled "History for sale: keeping track of the old days isn't what it used to be" by John Fienstein.

To read the entire article go to:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HFI/is_6_55/ai_n6106119

Please read the following excerpt to gain a better understanding of how the TOUR values history.

"Let's take the charade a step further and test Finchem.

Question: What PGA Tour event did Sam Snead win eight times?

Finchem's answer: "The Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic."

Wrong, commissioner! Even you can't keep track of the tour's name game. In 2003 what had been the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic became the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro. No doubt if Slammin' Sammy were still alive he would be at Finchem's doorstep demanding a Chrysler for each of those eight victories.

"OK, then," Finchem says just a bit sheepishly. "He won the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro eight times." He pauses and then adds, "That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.""