The Jamie Farr Toledo Classic is no more — at least in name.

This year’s tournament, set for July 18-21 at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, will be called the Marathon Classic.

The Toledo Classic Inc. Board of Trustees and the LPGA announced Jan. 8 that the Marathon Petroleum Corporation would be the new title partner of the Toledo-based tournament that Toledo native Jamie Farr has sponsored for the past 27 years. Owens Corning and O-I are also sponsors.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation is based in Findlay and is a sponsor of No. 1-ranked American golfer Stacy Lewis, who was born in Toledo.

In a news release from the LPGA, Farr stated: “Because of pending show business concerns which may prevent me from hosting the tournament in the future, I have decided to pass the baton to Marathon. I will always appreciate the loyal and generous support of our faithful sponsors, volunteers, fans, media and LPGA golf professionals and I extend a special thanks to all of them. Please extend to Marathon your generous support which you so devotedly gave to me over the past 28 years.”

Toledo Classic Inc. Board Chairman Richard Hylant said in the release: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Toledo Classic, Inc. we want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to Jamie for everything he has done over the years. Jamie’s contributions and loyal support cannot be overstated, as the tournament and the community have been affected immeasurably by his involvement. With great enthusiasm, and as a reflection of everything that Jamie has meant to the tournament and the community, Toledo Classic, Inc. has permanently named our scholarship fund the ‘Jamie Farr Scholarship Fund’ to preserve his legacy with the tournament.”

“This is tremendous news for the LPGA and the loyal golf fans of northwest Ohio,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan in the release. “Marathon Petroleum is an extremely successful and well respected company and we are excited to welcome them to the LPGA family. Our players have always enjoyed playing in northwest Ohio and now thanks to Marathon’s title sponsorship, fans across the globe will get to see the LPGA’s stars at one of their favorite tournaments.”

Marathon Petroleum Corporation President and CEO Gary R. Heminger stated, “We’re proud to be supporting children’s charities through this premier LPGA event. We see a bright future for the tournament. Mr. Farr has left us a great legacy, and we are looking forward to partnering with Toledo Classic, Owens Corning and Owens-Illinois to continue the tournament’s success. We are committed to keeping it a favorite among LPGA players and fans.”

Tags: Jamie Farr, Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, LPGA, Marathon Classic

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 8th, 2013 at 6:13 pm and is filed under Golf, Sports.
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