Huntington Bank Partners with PGA TOUR University to Foster Young Golf Talent

Huntington Bank Partners with PGA TOUR University

The PGA TOUR University has officially welcomed The Huntington National Bank as an official sponsor, marking a significant milestone in the bank's sports marketing endeavors. This partnership highlights both organizations' shared dedication to investing in emerging talent within the collegiate golf sphere.

As a key sponsor, Huntington Bank will assist in the mission of PGA TOUR University, which aims to identify top collegiate golfers and enhance their opportunities for professional advancement within tours affiliated with PGA TOUR. Huntington Bank's involvement reflects its ethos of investing in people and their potential for growth.

Brant Standridge, the president of consumer and regional banking at Huntington Bank, emphasized the importance of supporting student-athletes during pivotal moments in their careers. He stated, "Our partnership with PGA TOUR University mirrors our commitment to invest in potential and provide support to individuals as they navigate significant transitions in their lives." Huntington Bank takes pride in aiding these remarkable collegiate competitors who showcase resilience, discipline, and notable athletic performance.

In conjunction with this partnership, Huntington intends to implement a media and content strategy focused on golf tours. This strategy aims to spotlight emerging talents and tell their stories of ambition, professional growth, and preparation. By integrating its branding across various PGA TOUR University platforms, including ranking updates that showcase players' standings as they strive to secure a spot in the top 25, Huntington aims to connect with golf enthusiasts and support these athletes on their journey.

Vijay Konduru, the chief marketing officer at Huntington Bank, remarked on the significance of this partnership, stating, "PGA TOUR University provides us with a credible platform to engage with fans while supporting golfers at a crucial stage in their development. We believe that progress occurs when potential is met with the right support, and this initiative embodies that belief."

Huntington Bank's golf initiative is rooted in a philosophy established by Malcolm Holland, who initiated the bank’s golf program at Veritex Community Bank. Holland shared his perspective, saying, "Our investment in golf originated from a conviction that helping people early in their journeys creates a lasting impact. This partnership with PGA TOUR University aligns perfectly with that philosophy as it strides alongside young athletes in a defining chapter of their careers."

Since its inception in 2020, PGA TOUR University has facilitated membership for over 100 players on tours affiliated with the PGA TOUR. These alumni have collectively celebrated 49 professional victories worldwide. Currently, for the 2026 season, the achievements of PGA TOUR University alumni are evident, with 23 members earning their PGA TOUR cards and 33 securing a spot on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Alex Baldwin, overseeing the PGA TOUR Pathways, commented on the collaborative spirit of PGA TOUR University and Huntington Bank, stating, "PGA TOUR University has constructed a streamlined system for recognizing and transitioning top collegiate golf talent into the PGA TOUR ecosystem. Partnering with Huntington Bank will enable us to further fulfill this mission by shining a light on the future stars of the game. Their vision of investing in individuals aligns seamlessly with the mission of PGA TOUR University, and we eagerly anticipate our collaboration."

In collaboration with the World Amateur Golf Ranking®, PGA TOUR University assesses player performance based on the outcomes from their final two collegiate years. The tournaments considered in these evaluations include NCAA Division I men's team events, official PGA TOUR competitions, and select DP World Tour events.

At the culmination of each collegiate season, the top player in the final PGA TOUR University Rankings earns PGA TOUR membership. Meanwhile, players ranked 2-10 receive membership on the Korn Ferry Tour, and those finishing 11-25 gain access to PGA TOUR Americas membership. Furthermore, a junior or senior golfer who wins the Division-II Jack Nicklaus Award (National Player of the Year) will acquire exempt membership on PGA TOUR Americas upon concluding their collegiate sporting career.

For further insights and updates regarding PGA TOUR University, visit www.pgatour.com/university. To learn more about Huntington's golf initiatives, explore huntington.com/golf.

About PGA TOUR University

Launched in 2020, PGA TOUR University plays a pivotal role in recognizing exceptional collegiate golfers and fostering their transition into professional golf realms. PGA TOUR University alumni have collectively garnered victories in 49 professional events and notably, 23 alumni secured PGA TOUR cards for the upcoming season.

Partnerships with organizations such as the World Amateur Golf Ranking® enable PGA TOUR University to consistently assess golf talent based on their performance in eligible tournaments. The ranking period for the Class of 2026 started in Week 23/2024 and will conclude on June 1, 2026.

About Huntington Bank

Established in 1866 and based in Columbus, Ohio, Huntington Bancshares Incorporated operates as a $279 billion asset regional bank holding company. The Huntington National Bank, alongside its affiliates, offers a full spectrum of banking and financial services, catering to consumers, small to middle-market businesses, municipalities, and other organizations.