GCSAA, Toro engage PNC, TCF in supporting GCSAA National Championship & Golf Classic

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and The Toro Co. have secured financial services companies PNC and TCF as supporting sponsors for the 61st GCSAA National Championship and Golf Classic presented in partnership with Toro, Feb. 4-6, 2011 in Palm Beach, Fla.

“We are very pleased to add PNC and TCF as supporting sponsors of the GCSAA National Championship and Golf Classic presented in partnership with The Toro Co.,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA interim CEO. “The support and involvement from these two companies will add to the tournament experience for GCSAA members.”

The tournament will take place at four of PGA National Resort’s courses and The Breakers Rees Jones Course in Palm Beach, Fla. Nearly 600 GCSAA members will gather to network and enjoy various levels of competition on the golf course. The event is held in conjunction with the GCSAA Education Conference (Feb. 7-11) and Golf Industry Show (Feb. 9-10), in Orlando.

“Toro is looking forward to our 16th year helping the GCSAA host this terrific tournament,” said Darren Redetzke, Toro vice president and general manager. “With the relevance of equipment and irrigation financing increasing, we feel including our sponsoring partners from PNC and TCF will enhance the overall event and networking experience for participants.”

The GCSAA National Championship will be conducted Feb. 5-6 at PGA National’s Champion Course, the same course that is home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic every March and hosted the 1983 Ryder Cup, the 1987 PGA Championship and the Senior PGA Championship from 1982-2000. The National Championship is limited to 100 GCSAA members with a 5.0 handicap index or lower. It is a two-day, 36-hole, stroke-play event.

The GCSAA Golf Classic welcomes players of all abilities Feb. 5-6, rotating between PGA National’s Palmer, Squire, and Haig courses, as well as the nearby Breakers Rees Jones Course. A four-ball mixer open to all competitors will be held Feb. 4.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations. PNC Equipment Finance (PNCEF) is a recognized leader in providing equipment financing solutions to clients throughout the U.S. and Canada. Through its specialized golf finance segment, PNCEF offers customized, convenient and reliable financing models and processes that meet the diverse needs of the golf course industry.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCF Financial Corp. (NYSE: TCB) with over $18 billion in assets, the TCF Equipment Finance Golf Division has a strong source of capital and is responsive and proactive in finding competitive and flexible financing solutions to meet the needs of the golf industry.

The Toro Co. has been the sole partner of the annual GCSAA National Championship and Golf Classic since 1995. Toro, a GCSAA Platinum Partner, is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of more than $1.5 billion in fiscal 2009, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 140 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.toro.com.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association’s philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.