Huntington Bank Partners with PGA TOUR University to Support Collegiate Golf Talent

Huntington Bank Joins PGA TOUR University as Official Sponsor

The excitement in the world of collegiate golf is palpable as PGA TOUR University has officially announced its partnership with The Huntington National Bank. This collaboration signals a significant investment in the future of college golf, reinforcing both parties' commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Strengthening Commitment to Student-Athletes

Huntington Bank, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is extending its reach by becoming an official sponsor of PGA TOUR University. This partnership is designed to enhance the bank's sports marketing efforts and foster a deeper connection with college athletes who display remarkable skills on the green. According to Brant Standridge, president of consumer and regional banking at Huntington, this initiative reflects the bank’s mission to invest in people during crucial moments in their lives.

Standridge stated, “These collegiate athletes have demonstrated discipline, resilience, and performance. We are proud to support them as they take the next step in their careers.” This partnership symbolizes Huntington’s dedication to not just financial support but also mentorship and guidance for these young athletes.

Focus on Emerging Talent

Under the agreement, Huntington plans to implement a robust media and content strategy aimed at highlighting player journeys throughout the season. This will include sharing stories that revolve around preparation, ambition, and players’ transitions into professional golf. The collaboration will also see Huntington branding featured prominently across various PGA TOUR University platforms, including in the weekly ranking updates, which are closely followed by fans and sports enthusiasts.

Vijay Konduru, the chief marketing officer at Huntington Bank, emphasized the alignment of values, stating, “PGA TOUR University provides us a trustworthy platform to connect with fans while supporting golfers at a pivotal stage of development.” This endeavor not only aims to spotlight the athletes but can also attract potential fans and sponsors to the program.

Historical Context of the Partnership

Huntington Bank’s decision to invest in this partnership is deeply rooted in a long-standing history of supporting golf, which began with Malcolm Holland, chairman of Texas for Huntington Bank. Holland remarked, “When we began investing in golf, it was driven by a belief that supporting people early in their journey creates lasting impact.” This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the goals of PGA TOUR University, which has been integral in helping players transition from college competitions to professional tours.

Since its inception in 2020, PGA TOUR University has successfully enabled over 100 players to secure membership on PGA TOUR-affiliated tours. The program’s structure focuses on identifying the best collegiate players through rankings that incorporate performances from their final two years.

Future Prospects

For the 2026 season alone, 23 PGA TOUR University alumni have earned their PGA TOUR membership, while another 33 have claimed their spot on the Korn Ferry Tour. This partnership aims to elevate these achievements further by showcasing the future stars of the game through innovative and engaging storytelling. According to Alex Baldwin, who oversees PGA TOUR Pathways, which includes PGA TOUR University, “This collaboration gives us the opportunity to exemplify our mission by spotlighting young athletes who will shape the future of golf.”

As the partnership unfolds, both PGA TOUR University and Huntington Bank are set to redefine the support structure for collegiate golfers in their pursuit of professional careers. Fans can expect more engaging content and updates, illustrating the dedication and hard work these athletes put into their craft. For further information on the programs and updates, visit PGA TOUR University and Huntington's golf program at Huntington.