(Madison, Wis.) (Feb. 19, 2018) — The American Family Insurance Championship, one of the most popular and philanthropic stops on PGA TOUR Champions, has finalized contract extensions that will continue the event through 2020, championship organizers said today. This includes continuing the event at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison.
American Family Insurance, the championship’s title sponsor, PGA TOUR Champions and University of Wisconsin Athletic Department signed two-year extensions that will take effect following this year’s tournament, which will be held June 18-24 at University Ridge Golf Course. Additionally, tickets are now on sale for the 2018 tournament and can be purchased online at AmFamChampionship.com/tickets.
“When we started the American Family Insurance Championship, we were confident it would become a fantastic event for players, fans and the community, but it has quickly exceeded our expectations in every way,” said Jack Salzwedel, American Family Insurance chairman and CEO. “In its first two years, the event has raised more than $2.7 million for charity, attracted more than 100,000 fans and contributed millions in economic impact to our region. It’s clear we have the partners, location and formula for success, so let’s keep it going.”
The American Family Insurance Championship is hosted by PGA TOUR winner and Madison resident Steve Stricker, who partnered with American Family Insurance to bring PGA TOUR competition back to Wisconsin.
“The community impact of this event has certainly been one of the highlights of my career,” said Stricker, a 12-time PGA TOUR winner and 2017 captain of the U.S. Presidents Cup team. “What’s even better, is we’re just getting started. We will continue to make enhancements for the players, volunteers, fans and sponsors while ultimately raising more money for charity.”
During the next three years, various improvements will be made to the University Ridge Golf Course and surrounding grounds including a full course sand bunker renovation, expansion of the players’ locker room and dining facilities, expansion of tournament operations staging locations, and cart/spectator path improvement.
“The course updates will not only benefit the championship but also our UW golf teams, other events we host, like the high school state championships, and the thousands of area residents who play University Ridge every season,” said Wisconsin Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez.
The American Family Insurance Championship is managed and operated by the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation. In its first two years, the championship proceeds of $2.7 million have been distributed through more than 100 grants to non-profit organizations focused on healthy kids and families, including the American Family Children’s Hospital.
“In two short years, the American Family Insurance Championship has become one of the premier stops on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, and a tournament our players look forward to with great enthusiasm,” said Greg McLaughlin, PGA TOUR Champions president. “Through the tireless efforts of Steve Stricker and American Family Insurance, this event has positively impacted the community, and we are excited for the future as we look to build on that success.”
The 2018 PGA TOUR Champions American Family Insurance Championship will take place at University Ridge Golf Course the week of June 18-24, with three days of tournament competition, June 22-24. Dates for the 2019 and 2020 Championship will be announced at a later date.
