PGA TOUR Adds Arby’s to List of Sponsors

The PGA TOUR has officially entered the restaurant sponsor business, as they reeled in their first endorsement from the sector. And to the surprise of many, the sponsor isn’t a big corporation like McDonald’s or a sit-down restaurant like Olive Garden, it is Arby’s.

You heard that correctly, Arby’s is now “the official restaurant of the PGA TOUR.”

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While details of the deal were not released, the official announcement will be made this week at the Memorial Tournament. The timing of this announcement comes as the tournament is played in Ohio, the state with the most Arby’s restaurants in the country. Arby’s will also provide a food truck at the course for fans to enjoy.

You may be wondering how Arby’s, of all the restaurants out there, was able to land the first endorsement deal in food services for a major sports association like the PGA TOUR. The answer is all about the Beef, and I’m not talking about Arby’s signature roast beef. According to both sides of the deal, the driving force of the endorsement deal was the support the fast food restaurant has given to Andrew “Beef” Johnston.

Professional golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston visits Arby’s on July 23,…

Professional golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston visits Arby’s on July 23, 2016 in New York City. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

Johnston, the big, bearded golfer who burst onto the scene last year with a top-ten finish at The Open Championship, is apparently a big fan of Arby’s and after seeing how popular he was among fans, the company decided to sponsor him in a few events where the Britishman wore their logo in major events, including the PGA Championship. After seeing how interested Arby’s was in the game, the PGA TOUR ran some metric tests and decided to bring the company on in a larger role.

Arby’s Cheif Marketing Officer Rob Lynch is just as surprised as anyone that they were able to pull off a deal with the PGA TOUR. “McDonald’s is in five times more locations than us and they outspend us 10 to 1,” Lynch said, “We’re a huge underdog in a hugely competitive category, but it’s a long road and we think we can tell a story that will lead to Arby’s being a destination.”

Now that Arby’s has landed this huge deal, it will be a big boost to increase their stock to the level of McDonald’s or Wendy’s. It will also allow for more curly fries and roast beef sandwiches around the course. And that’s a win-win for everyone.

Cover Image via YouTube