Featured Golf News
Jacobsen Won’t Defend Hartford Title
The reigning Greater Hartford Open (GHO) champion, Peter Jacobsen, decided to not defend his title in 2004, at which time the tournament will be known as the Buick Championship. The news was announced by Ed Ellis, president and chief operating officer of Peter Jacobsen Productions, Inc., (PJP) and John Ledoux, 2004 Buick Championship Tournament Chairman.
The Buick Championship takes place August 23-29, the same week as the JELD-WEN Tradition, the final major of the year on the Champions Tour. The JELD-WEN Tradition will be held at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Jacobsen's home state of Oregon.
"I have been very close to the GHO for many years, and will miss competing in this tournament. It is one of the best-run, most-fun tournaments on the PGA Tour," said Jacobsen. "But as an Oregonian, it's very important for me to participate in the JELD-WEN Tradition."
Jacobsen has a long history with golf in Oregon. In 1989, Jacobsen founded PJP to manage and produce the Fred Meyer Challenge. The event was held in Portland, Ore., and televised on ESPN. During the event’s 17-year history, the tournament brought more than 95 PGA Tour professionals to Portland and raised more than $11 million for children's charities.
"Peter has been integral in bringing championship golf to Oregon," said Ellis. "The community and his fans eagerly anticipate his return to compete in this major championship."
"We appreciate and understand that Peter made the right decision in playing in his hometown event, which is also a Champions Tour major," said Ledoux. "He's been a wonderful champion of this event twice and we cannot thank him enough for all the support that he has given us over the years.
"We know that Peter anguished over this decision because of how much he enjoys competing in our tournament," said Buick Championship Tournament Director Dan Baker. "Peter recognizes the significance of this tournament in Connecticut and he will be working with us to help us promote the 2004 Buick Championship, including attending media day here in May. He is so proud of how the community gathered together to support the 2003 event and so happy that we have partnered with a terrific sponsor like Buick."
The Buick Championship is one of the PGA Tour’s best-attended events, drawing more than 300,000 spectators each year. The Tournament has raised more than $24 million for Hartford area charities since its inception in 1952.
The Buick Championship is the sole fundraiser of the Greater Hartford Jaycees. The Jaycees channel those funds back into the community to improve the lives of those most in need by feeding the hungry, building affordable housing, helping children and much more. The Greater Hartford Jaycees is an organization of 600 volunteers, ages 21-39, which promotes leadership training through community service.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to become a volunteer, call the Tournament Office at 860-522-4171 or visit www.buickchampionship.com.
