API Getting Even More Enhanced Status

Perhaps sensing the schedule hasn't been kind to the Arnold Palmer Invitational or that criticism will continue of players for passing up the chance to pay tribute to The King (Ron Green in Global Golf Post filed this one Monday), the tour has announced even more "enhanced status" for the API. (In 2014 the event received a three-year tour exemption to the winner.)

Namely, an enhanced purse of $8.7 million. And there will continue to be a college golfer exemption coming for a Palmer Cup team member, voted on by peers.

The full release:

Arnold Palmer’s Tournament to Receive Enhanced Status

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 16, 2016) – PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem announced today significant enhancements for the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard that will further elevate the tournament’s elite stature in professional golf.

Continuing the charitable legacy of the Invitational’s namesake, Finchem also announced that, moving forward, the newly established Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation will manage oversight of the tournament as the host organization. Finchem was joined by representatives from the tournament, the Foundation and MasterCard for a press conference at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, where the 51st edition of the tournament begins tomorrow.

Beginning in 2017, the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will offer its field of 120 players one of the highest purses on the PGA TOUR at $8.7 million, an increase of $2.4 million. The winner’s TOUR exemption also continues to be three years, increased last year from two. In collaboration with MasterCard and broadcast partners Golf Channel and NBC Sports, recognition of the vast contributions Palmer has made to golf and society will be amplified through the telecasts and promotion of the tournament. 

“Arnold Palmer is unquestionably one of the most important figures in the history of professional golf and someone who brought its appeal to the masses through his thrilling, go-for-broke style of play that transcended the game,” Finchem said. “This tournament is an important part of Arnold’s legacy, and collectively we were inspired to work together to further advance its stature. We are delighted to announce these changes beginning with the 2017 event and further celebrate the tremendous contributions Arnold has made on and off the golf course.”

Palmer and his family have been recognized for their generosity since the 1960s, beginning with his role as the national spokesperson for the March of Dimes. In the 1970s, Palmer and his late wife Winnie settled in Orlando; they soon determined that they could play a role in improving the specialized medical care for children in the community. This marked the beginning of what led to the eventual establishment of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center which includes Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies and the Howard Phillips Center which collectively provide women and children a world-renowned healing environment.
Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation has been established to carry on Palmer’s legacy of selflessly giving back by investing in the well-being and development of children and youth.

The two hospitals have historically been the primary beneficiaries of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation will continue to fulfill this mission.  In addition, through the tournament, the Foundation will encourage PGA TOUR players to share in the spirit of philanthropy by financially supporting the causes of selected young professionals whose own charitable ambitions align with Arnie’s Army.
 
A unique entree into the Arnold Palmer Invitational for a young player today is through participation in the Arnold Palmer Cup, a Ryder Cup style event for collegiate golfers, which the Foundation annually supports.  Each year, a player who embodies the personal values of Arnold Palmer, as selected by his teammates, receives a special exemption to play in his tournament.
“Golf has given me so much and allowed me to do things that I never would have imagined,” said Arnold Palmer. “In conjunction with my family and those closest to me, it was important to create the means to continue to contribute to causes that have always been important to me.  My hope for this Foundation is to provide kids opportunities to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

“Mr. Palmer’s unique, hands-on approach has brought the best golfers in the world to his tournament year after year as a preeminent stop on the PGA TOUR,” said Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing officer, MasterCard. “We’ve had the distinct honor of partnering with the TOUR on the Arnold Palmer Invitational for more than a decade, and during that time have worked to uphold Mr. Palmer’s commitment to stay true to the game while also driving impact beyond the invitational to the local community. We look forward to continuing our partnership on this tremendous event while providing special access and benefits to golf fans and leveraging our technology to enhance the fan experience both on and off the course.”