Vincent Publishing - Index

Vincent Publishing - 2008 Travelers Championship Magazine - Index

Welcome | From the Tournament Chairman
On behalf of the Travelers Championship
and the Greater Hartford Jaycees, I’d like to
welcome you to the Travelers Championship.
Last year, there was an excited buzz in the air
at the inaugural Travelers Championship.
Hundreds of thousands of fans came out
throughout the week, eager to be part of the
new era of professional sports in Connecticut.
New sponsors came on board to support the
event and help it grow. Thousands of
volunteers pitched in to make the event a
success. As I stood with thousands of fans
around the 18th green on Sunday, taking in
what was arguably one of the best PGA TOUR
finishes of the season, the excitement in the air
was remarkable. I knew we had built something
special, and that my year ahead as Chairman
would be filled with excitement, partnership
and worthwhile efforts.
When the Greater Hartford Jaycees
launched this event as a fundraiser more than
fifty years ago, they had a vision and the drive
to create a world-class sporting event that
could support the community. Today, with the
Jaycee volunteers, I am so proud to lead the
event, which has contributed more than $25
million to the community, and has a focused
plan for continued growth in the future. As a
local company, Travelers has supported the
tournament since its beginning in 1952. We are
appreciative for their partnership and their
dedication to maintaining the winning, charitable
spirit in the Greater Hartford community.
Through the support of Travelers and our many
other partners, as well as thousands of
volunteers, the Travelers Championship is able
to give back significantly to our community.
Again this year, we are very pleased to raise
funds and awareness for the Travelers
Championship designated charities, The Hole in
the Wall Gang Camp, serving children suffering
from cancer and other serious diseases; and
the Greater Hartford Jaycees Foundation, a
leadership development and community service
organization.
This week, you’ll be privy to some of the
world’s elite professional golfers, including
2007 champion, Hunter Mahan, as they compete
for a $6 million purse at TPC River Highlands.
You’ll also be part of tournament history, as we
celebrate the opening of the new state-of-theart
practice facility, which will be used both as a
practice facility for PGA TOUR professionals
during the Travelers Championship and as a
learning center for youth golf programs by The
First Tee of Connecticut throughout the year.
We’re very pleased to have you as our guest to
be part of the 2008 Travelers Championship.
From the PGA TOUR professionals to the
Travelers staff to our Eagle Squad of volunteers,
we thank you for your support and hope that
you enjoy this week on the PGA TOUR.
Betsy Udal
Tournament Chairman
10 This is the new era. Official Championship Magazine