As Web.com Group Inc. continues to grow into a major Internet services firm, the company on Wednesday announced a major sponsorship deal that should increase its visibility.
Jacksonville-based Web.com and the PGA Tour announced a 10-year agreement to make Web.com the title sponsor of the golf tour currently known as the Nationwide Tour.
That’s the second-tier U.S. golf tour that is used to identify and transition young players into the main PGA Tour.
The agreement to rename the tour as the Web.com Tour begins immediately with this week’s tournament in Evansville, Ind.
“The Web.com brand will gain exceptional visibility as a result of our sponsorship of the Web.com Tour,” Chairman and CEO David Brown said in a news release.
“In addition, we believe that the professionalism and competition of PGA Tour golf resonates strongly with small and medium-sized business owners, making the national and international exposure we achieve with this sponsorship an unparalleled opportunity to reach more of our target market,” he said.
Web.com provides Internet site development services for small and medium-sized businesses. The company grew significantly the past two years with the acquisition of competitors Register.com and Network Solutions and is projected to reach about $500 million in revenue this year.
“We consider this an ideal association with a recognized industry leader in helping small to medium-sized businesses become successful as a result of using its services,” PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said in the news release.
“To that end, we are particularly delighted that, in addition to the sponsorship, Web.com will be offering its expertise to help our tournaments, players and charities enhance their own web presence,” he said.
Nationwide Insurance has been a sponsor of the tour since 2003. Three out of four PGA Tour members have played on the Web.com Tour, the Ponte Vedra Beach-based golf association said.
It also said the Web.com Tour is undergoing structural changes next year that will make it more significant. The tour will be used to determine the final 50 membership slots of the following year’s PGA Tour, up from 25 slots this year.
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