With the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19,
some of the tournament’s bigger sponsors
pulled out last year. However, this year has
shown an increase in revenue numbers.
This has been because there has been
a tremendous increase in smaller
sponsorships from the local area. “I’d rather
have 50 $1,000 sponsors than one $50,000
sponsor. There’s more room to grow those
sponsorships and keep that relationship. It
seemed to be right around the $5,000 to $10,000
range for a lot of these local businesses that saw
the value we were trying to provide for them. Such
as advertising to many people throughout the
weekend,” says Justin Kristich.
Another initiative how the LECOM Classic is
engaging the community is their First Tee Program.
This is an annual program that has all different
age groups and skill levels. First Tee enhances the
experience during the tournament in hopes to get
more kids involved in the game of golf.
During the tournament, they will host a junior clinic
which will help kids learn about First Tee while also
having some fun. Kristich says, “The professionals
will be able to answer questions, show the kids
some trick shots, it’s really great to see. First Tee
wants to promote this program and utilize the
tournament to grow the initiative to create better
people through the game of golf.”
The LECOM Classic will have over 500 volunteers
to help run this tournament, which is more than
any given year. “The volunteer group is the lifeline
of the tournament,” says Kristich. Sarasota and
Manatee counties are known for being a rich golf
community and during times where there was an
increase for outdoor activities such as the game of
golf during the pandemic, it is great to provide this
type of event for the local residents.
18 | BMAG