June 15, 2015 - The Marathon Classic announced today that Marathon Petroleum, Owens Corning & O-I have all extended their title and presenting sponsorships through 2018. The tournament also announced a new 3-year agreement with the LPGA that extends through 2018. The new 3-year extension was announced during the tournament’s annual Media Day at Highland Meadows Golf Club.
“Our experience during the first two years of the tournament, and leading up to this year’s event, has been outstanding,” said Tom Kelley, MPC senior vice president, Marketing. “The mission to support children’s charities is the driver for all our initiatives. The record funds raised last year were gratifying and inspire us to do even more. Our employees have stepped up in a big way by engaging our business partners to financially participate, volunteering, selecting charities, dressing up the course and holding drawings for free Marathon gasoline throughout the week. We look forward to continuing to be a part of growing this tournament’s great legacy.”
“Marathon Petroleum, Owens Corning and O-I have long been some of the most well respected companies in the world,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan. “Over the last two years they’ve proven tremendous partners in furthering the proud tradition of one of the longest running and most highly regarded tournaments on the LPGA Tour. We couldn’t be more honored to have their continued support in bringing the world’s eyes to northwest Ohio whose loyalty and passion for the LPGA has proven a constant for more than 30 years.”
“We can’t thank Marathon, Owens Corning & O-I enough for their loyal support,” stated Tournament Director Judd Silverman. “These generous commitments provide the tournament with a solid foundation moving forward and will allow us to continue supporting many local children’s charities for the foreseeable future.”
Since its inception in 1984 the tournament has raised $8.7 million for 140 northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan children’s charities. This year’s Marathon Classic will be played July 13-19 at Highland Meadows Golf Club for a purse of $1.5 million. Lydia Ko, world #1, leads a field of 142 LPGA Professionals that includes the top 15 players in the world.