The PGA TOUR and Exact Sciences, the manufacturer of Cologuard, has announced an agreement making the early cancer detection company title sponsor of the PGA TOUR Champions event in Tucson.
The Cologuard Classic, named after Exact Sciences’ noninvasive at-home colon cancer screening test, will be Feb. 26-March 4, 2018 at Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course. It’s for a three-year agreement in place through the 2020 season. The Tucson Conquistadores will continue to operate the event.
The announcement was made today at a press conference at Omni Tucson National.
“We are excited to welcome Exact Sciences into the PGA TOUR family,” said Greg McLaughlin, PGA TOUR Champions President. “The TOUR has a tremendous history in the Tucson market, and we’re confident in the future of this great event as we look to build a community and societal impact in our joint efforts to generate awareness for this important cause.”
Exact Sciences is a Madison, Wis.-based company committed to playing a role in the eradication of colorectal cancer.
Cologuard is an easy-to-use, noninvasive colon cancer screening test based on the latest advances in stool DNA technology. It is for adults 50 years or older who are at average risk for colon cancer, helps detect both cancer and pre-cancer, and is available by prescription only.
“We are excited to take our partnership with the PGA TOUR and Jerry Kelly to the next level when launching Colon Cancer Awareness Month,” said Maneesh Arora, Exact Sciences Chief Operating Officer. “This is an opportunity to highlight the importance of screening for colon cancer beginning at age 50 and to continue raising awareness for Cologuard as an option when getting screened for the most preventable form of cancer.”
Kelly, who is a rookie on PGA TOUR Champions in 2017, is a longtime Madison resident and one of Cologuard’s ambassadors. The three-time PGA TOUR winner earned Champions Tour titles at the Boeing Classic and Pacific Links Bear Mountain Championship over the last three months, and is the leading contender for Rookie of the Year honors.
“It has been an honor to partner with Cologuard during my first season on PGA TOUR Champions and the Cologuard Classic will bring more attention to the battle against colon cancer,” said Cologuard ambassador Jerry Kelly, who is a rookie on the Tour this year. “I look forward to working with Cologuard and the PGA TOUR to encourage all of our players to get screened for colon cancer.”
The 2018 tournament will be played two weeks earlier than the event’s traditional date to align with the beginning of March as national Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The event will further colon cancer awareness through various on-site activations with fans, volunteers and players, as the tournament looks to cement a community footprint outside the ropes.
The Tucson Conquistadores will continue their support of PGA TOUR golf in the city by operating the event, which allows them to provide less-fortunate kids with the character-building experience of participating in sports. Since its inception in 1962, the group has contributed over $32 million to youth athletic programs.
Information on the event was provided by Stewart Moore, Senior Director of Communications, PGA TOUR Champions Tour
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