The Greater Hartford Jaycees and Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced today that the 2002 Canon Greater Hartford Open will be the final year that Canon will participate as the title sponsor of the PGA TOUR event. Additionally, Canon will explore opportunities for continuing the company's relationship with the tournament and the Hartford community beyond next year. One of the premier sporting events in New England, the Canon GHO is the second-most attended PGA TOUR event, attracting more than 275,000 spectators annually.
Millions more watch the tournament on television in the U.S. and abroad.
Canon's support has elevated the tournament to a new level, and we look forward to building on this tradition with a new title sponsor. Over the period of Canon's title sponsorship, the Canon Greater Hartford Open has achieved marked increases in attendance, sponsorship, community involvement and donations to numerous charities supported by the Greater Hartford Jaycees. According to the PGA TOUR, corporations continually make inquiries about the availability of title sponsorship opportunities. The Greater Hartford Jaycees will begin work immediately, with assistance from the PGA TOUR, on securing a new title sponsor for the 2003 tournament. PGA TOUR golf has never enjoyed a stronger fan base than it does today, and we are confident that the tremendous fan and corporate support the Canon GHO enjoys in Connecticut and New England will enable the tournament to extend its 50-year relationship with PGA TOUR golf for many years to come.