The agreement was announced today at a special press conference with OMEGA President Stephen Urquhart, PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua, PGA of America President Ted Bishop and OMEGA Ambassador Rory McIlroy at Valhalla Golf Club, site of the 96th PGA Championship. The new agreement will see the Swiss maker of prestige watches continue to serve as Official Patron and Official Timekeeper of the PGA of America for another eight years beginning in 2015, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to the growth of the game of golf globally and across the United States.

“We are delighted to extend our agreement with the PGA of America through 2022" said Urquhart. “With our tournaments in Europe and Asia, OMEGA has long supported the growth of golf as a global game, and our involvement in the premier events organized by the PGA of America – including the much-anticipated 2014 PGA Championship – has given us a fantastic platform to develop the brand in the important American market.”

In 2011, OMEGA entered into a far-reaching strategic marketing and sponsorship agreement with the PGA of America. In September 2012, OMEGA and the PGA of America announced that they elevated their partnership to an elite status that raised OMEGA’s brand designation with the PGA from “Official Partner” to “Official Patron.”

The new long-term partnership will continue to enhance the brand’s rich history in sports as Official Timekeeper of the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Ryder Cup (when held in the United States), PGA Professional National Championship and PGA Golf Properties. It further aligns OMEGA with the world’s largest sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals, who are recognized for their expertise in teaching the game, promoting the game, and managing golf facilities.

The extended agreement also includes advertising on golf telecasts of PGA of America championship events, marketing support for the PGA’s player development efforts and support for PGA members and their facilities.

“This agreement with OMEGA marks the longest extension by an Official Patron partner in PGA history and serves as a proud moment for the PGA of America and our Professionals” said Bevacqua. “We’re delighted that OMEGA, a company deeply committed to precision and excellence in its products, connects to the game of golf and the PGA in such a comprehensive manner. The fact that they will remain a major sponsor of our championship events and owned-and-operated golf facilities, as well as a proud supporter of PGA Professionals everywhere, speaks to the unique position the PGA carries as the experts in the game and business of golf.”

OMEGA will support PGA Professionals’ growth through sponsorships of PGA Summits at the PGA Merchandise Show, PGA Fashion & Demo Experience and PGA golf expositions in China. The company will also sponsor the PGA Professional Player of the Year Award and provide support to all 41 PGA Sections.

Additional elements of the multi-faceted partnership agreement include significant support of a member-benefit OMEGA timepiece program and a facility clock program, both exclusive to PGA Professionals; corporate hospitality at all PGA major championships; and OMEGA clocks positioned at PGA Golf Properties – including PGA Golf Club, PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance, PGA Country Club, and Valhalla Golf Club.