DraftKings named first Official Betting Operator of two PGA Tour’s golf tournaments

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ournament officials announced on Tuesday that DraftKings has been named the first “Betting Operator of the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational”, which will be on August 2-8 at TPC Southwind, and the first “Official Betting Operator of THE NORTHERN TRUST”, which will take place on August 18-22 at Liberty National Golf Club.

The company said that “the agreement enriches DraftKings’ relationship with the PGA Tour, as they have recently announced plans for a retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale pending regulatory approval, as well as sponsorship deals as the Official Daily Fantasy Game and Official Betting Operator of The Tour”. In the fall of 2020, DraftKings expanded its presence in the sport of golf by signing Bryson DeChambeau to a sponsorship deal.

As part of both agreements, DraftKings will have hospitality suites at both tournaments dubbed the “DraftKings House”, which will be open to the public and provide fans access to televisions airing golf and other live sports. To gain access to the DraftKings House, fans can purchase a daily grounds ticket to the event. 

The Chief business officer at DraftKings Ezra Kucharz, said: “DraftKings is proud to evolve and expand our presence into the golf space by continuing to build upon the existing relationship with the PGA TOUR. We look forward to providing fans an unapparelled experience at Liberty National and TPC Southwind.”

DraftKings Executive Director Darrell Smith, commented: “When the State of Tennessee legalized sports betting in the state last November, it opened the door for a number of new business opportunities in the sports industry. With the existing relationship between DraftKings and the PGA TOUR, integrating them into the Memphis market at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational was an easy decision. We’re excited to be one of the first PGA TOUR events to offer a public venue setting in this category. This sponsorship adds another on-site experience that caters to a variety of fans and we look forward to debuting it as we welcome the world’s best golfers return back to Memphis.”

PGA TOUR Executive Director Julie Tyson, added: “As the existing relationship between DraftKings and the PGA TOUR continues to evolve, integrating them into the New Jersey market at THE NORTHERN TRUST was a natural fit. When the state of New Jersey legalized sports betting in 2018, it opened the doors for a number of new business opportunities in the sports industry and we are proud to be one of the first PGA TOUR events to offer a setting in this category. Our tournament prides itself in having on-site experiences that cater to a variety of fans and we’re looking forward to debuting this innovative venue on one of the biggest stages in golf as the FedExCup Playoffs commence.”

For the first time, DraftKings will be hosting its Fantasy Golf World Championship at THE NORTHERN TRUST where 40 of the top daily fantasy players will compete for total prizes of $4 million. The event will take place in person spanning the four days of the tournament with the top finisher receiving $1 million.