PGA’s oldest competition get Birdietime backing

Birdietime has strengthened its new relationship with The PGA by becoming the PGA Assistants’ Championship support sponsor.

As part of a three-year deal, which saw Birdietime become an official PGA Partner, the Finland-based company has also committed to supporting The Association’s longest-running national tournament.

Birdietime, the company behind the popular online golf related booking, administration and marketing service for PGA Professionals, will use the event to promote its brand and develop stronger links with golfers.

Mikko Back, founder and chief golf officer of Birdietime, said: “We are delighted to become the support sponsor of the PGA Assistants’ Championship.

“We wanted to get involved not just because it’s a tournament rich in history, but also because Assistants are the ones who will play a crucial role in how golf will evolve over the coming years.

“Young PGA Professionals are eager to explore the opportunities within the digital space and see its potential for business.

“We look forward to having fruitful discussions with participants on how we can make the daily life of a PGA Professional easier with our tools, and to help them focus on what they love the most - the game of golf.”

The PGA Assistants’ Championship supported by Birdietime was first contested in 1930 and pre-dates the US Masters.

Restricted to players during their three years of PGA training, past winners include two-time major winner and former Ryder Cup captain, Tony Jacklin, eight-time Ryder Cup player and TV’s voice of golf Peter Alliss, and three-time Ryder Cup captain and Open Championship runner-up, Dai Rees.

In the region of 1,000 Assistants are eligible to enter seven regional qualifiers in May at some of Great Britain & Ireland’s most challenging venues.

This year’s 54-hole final in July will be staged for the first time at Farleigh Golf Club, Surrey, with players competing for a prize fund of £32,500.

The winner will qualify for the end of season PGA Play-offs in Turkey, which offer the opportunity to earn a place in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Top spot at Farleigh is also rewarded with an expenses paid trip to the Australia PGA Futures Championship in October, where 2017 winner Matthew Fieldsend finished third.

Ross Parker, head of sponsorship at The PGA, commented: “We welcome the support from Birdietime for The PGA’s oldest national tournament.

“The PGA Assistants’ Championship has a great history and tradition, with some of the biggest names in golf making their mark on the championship down the years before going on to enjoy outstanding success in their careers.

“With the support of Birdietime, we will continue that fine tradition in 2018 and give today’s generation of Assistants an opportunity to put their name in the history books along with some of the greats of the game.”

Entries for the PGA Assistants’ Championship supported by Birdietime close on April 10. To enter your regional qualifier click here.

For further information about Birdietime, please contact founder and chief golf officer, Mikko Back, on +358-50-3268472, email mikko@birdietime.com or click here.