There was more than this year’s trophy at stake when top amateur golfers from around the world descended on the L.A. area for last week’s U.S. Amateur Championship jointly hosted by the Riviera Country Club and Bel-Air Country Club.
Participating courses typically get evaluated by PGA officials and network executives during such events. They examine the courses’ potential commercial viability to draw fans as well as sell tickets and merchandise for major events.
“They see how much merchandise is being sold and the vibe around the tournament,” said Michael Yamaki, general chairman for the tournament and corporate officer for the Riviera.
Yamaki also noted that Hideki Sano, chief executive of Cleveland Golf, a manufacturer of clubs, equipment and accessories, was slated to attend the tournament. So was Bob Parsons, founder and former chief executive of GoDaddy. He launched Parsons Xtreme Golf in 2014 and makes the most expensive clubs on the market.
Riviera already hosts the PGA’s annual L.A. stop in February at the Genesis Open. And it is slated to host the men’s and women’s golf competitions at the 2028 Olympics.
More opportunity might be found in the PGA’s recent announcement of a change to the date of its namesake major championship from July to May in future years. That new schedule creates an opportunity for courses in areas that have scorching summertime temperatures to host the event.
“It’s going to change the dynamics – there’s an East Coast bias in all of sports, golf in particular,” Yamaki said. “That’s one good thing about showcasing this with golf. With PGA moving this, it’s a perfect time.”
Quite a showcase, too.
Many of the greatest pro golfers began their careers by playing and winning the amateur event, including Jack Nicklaus (twice), Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods (three times).
The high level of competition makes it an ideal situation for potential sponsors to evaluate future pros.
“Guys like David Abeles, chief executive of TaylorMade, are coming out to look at these kids,” Yamaki said.
More than 7,000 people were expected to compete in qualifying events before the field was whittled down to 312 people. Golfers range in age from 15 to more than 50.
The tournament features head-to-head competition for seven days, culminating with a 36-hole championship.
Football Foodies
Barcelona Enterprises, a Woodland Hills-based experiential marketing and ad agency, is bringing a new player to its Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival in October.
The event usually features celebrity chefs, but this year’s four-day event will include a National Football League food show starring Sean Kinoshita, executive chef for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“It’s a big opportunity to elevate our game as well as get more awareness for our charity,” said Chief Executive Alan Semsar.
He said the event typically raises $20,000 for charity, but the Jaguars’ involvement could push that figure closer to $50,000. There’s also the possibility of getting the Raiders involved as they have plans to move to Las Vegas in 2020.
Semsar’s company produces various food and wine festivals around the country. He said he expects to continue his relationship with the Jaguars next year.
Around Town
Blue Shield of California signed a multiyear deal with AEG to become a founding partner and exclusive health care partner of L.A. Live, the downtown Los Angeles sports and entertainment district, as well as the exclusive health care partner across some of L.A.’s most iconic teams, venues and events, including the Los Angeles Kings; Microsoft Theater; the Novo by Microsoft; the annual All-Star Chef Classic; and Made LA fashion, music and cultural events. … The Los Angeles Rams made two significant hires as they gear up for their second season in Los Angeles. Jamie Reigle last month was named executive vice president of business operations after 10 years as a senior executive with Manchester United, based in London and Hong Kong. The Rams might play a game in China in 2019. Skarpi Hedinsson was named chief technology officer. He served in that role for Disney/ABC Television Group. Hedinsson is the holder of seven U.S. patents as well as 14 pending in the field of digital media and streaming video.
Former staff reporter David Nusbaum contributed to this report.
