Aon and Professional Golf: A Swingin’ Partnership

Remember when you were a kid, and you’d try to hit a golf ball a mile? Yeah, me too. Turns out, it’s a tad harder than it looks. Now, imagine doing that for a living, with millions of people watching! That’s the reality for the pros on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. And behind the scenes, there are companies like Aon, helping these athletes navigate the rough and reach the green. No, seriously, Aon is a global professional services firm, and they’ve been killin’ it in the golf world.

So, grab your clubs (or your comfy couch) and let’s tee off into the world of Aon and professional golf. We’re going deep on their partnership, from its early days to the impact it’s had on the game we know and love. Get ready to yell “mashed potatoes!” (Okay, maybe not, but you get the idea.)

Early Days on the Green: A Partnership is Born

It all started back in good ol’ . Aon stepped onto the green as an Official Marketing Partner of the PGA TOUR. Think of it like this: Aon was like that friend who always hypes you up, but on a much larger, global scale. They were ready to bring their A-game (see what I did there?) to support golfers and bring some fresh energy to the sport.

The Aon Risk Reward Challenge: Where Guts Meet Glory

Now, here’s where things got really interesting. Aon launched the Aon Risk Reward Challenge, and get this – it wasn’t just for the guys. This groundbreaking program ran on both the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour, offering equal prize money for the men’s and women’s winners. Boom! Talk about a hole-in-one for gender equality in sports!

This wasn’t just some random challenge either. It focused on a specifically chosen hole at each tournament, one that required players to weigh risk versus reward. Do they play it safe, or go for the gusto and risk a bogey (or worse)? It added a whole new layer of excitement to the game, both for the players and us fans watching at home.

Ryder Cup Vibes: A Global Stage for Partnership

Aon wasn’t content with just dipping their toes in the water. They dove headfirst into a worldwide partnership with the Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most prestigious and fiercely contested tournaments. For those who don’t know, the Ryder Cup pits the best golfers from the United States against the best from Europe. It’s a battle for bragging rights, and Aon wanted in on the action.

The Nicklaus/Jacklin Award: Honoring the Spirit of the Game

Aon didn’t stop there. They also introduced the Nicklaus/Jacklin Award presented by Aon. This award, named after golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, recognizes the player who embodies the true spirit of the Ryder Cup. Think sportsmanship, camaraderie, and respect for the game and fellow competitors. It’s a pretty big deal, and Aon’s involvement just added to its prestige.

Leveling Up the Partnership: Aon Doubles Down

Fast forward to . Aon wasn’t satisfied with simply maintaining the status quo. Like a golfer eyeing a long putt, they saw an opportunity to take their partnership to the next level. And boy, did they ever!

PGA TOUR Expansion: Aon Takes Center Stage

The PGA TOUR relationship got a serious upgrade. Aon snagged the naming rights for new Signature Event eligibility paths: the Aon Next and the Aon Swing . These paths provided a clear pathway for young guns and seasoned pros alike to qualify for some of the biggest tournaments on the PGA TOUR. Talk about a power move by Aon!