Barbasol Championship debuts on PGA TOUR in 2015

A new PGA TOUR tournament sponsored by Barbasol, the No. 1 shaving cream brand in the U.S., will debut in 2015 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National near Opelika, Alabama. A four-year agreement establishing the Barbasol Championship was announced today at the Alabama State Capitol by Governor Robert Bentley and representatives from the PGA TOUR and the Robert Trent Jones Trail Foundation, which will serve as the tournament host organization.

The Barbasol Championship will be held at the Grand National - Lake Course July 13-19, 2015, the same week as The Open Championship.

"We are excited to announce the creation of the Barbasol Championship and to present an outstanding new playing opportunity for our members beginning next season," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "Barbasol has been a leader in the industry for more than 90 years and we are delighted to forge this new relationship with such an iconic brand. We are equally pleased to partner with the Robert Trent Jones Trail Foundation and to bring this tournament to the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Grand National's exceptional Lake Course."

The Barbasol Championship will become part of the FedExCup competition, awarding 300 points to the winner.

"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with the PGA TOUR and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail," said Tom Murray, President and CEO of Perio Inc., the parent company of Barbasol. "As we approach Barbasol's 100th, bringing together two of America's most respected, iconic brands is further proof of our long-term commitment to expanding our sports partnerships."

Grand National is one of 11 facilities of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail that now includes 26 golf courses throughout Alabama.

"Alabamians pride themselves on the beauty, hospitality and charm of our state, and we are excited to showcase that to the world with the PGA TOUR's Barbasol Championship in the Auburn-Opelika area," Governor Bentley said. "This event will bring tens of thousands of people, from all over the world, to see the beauty that Alabama and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has to offer. This is a great announcement for our state, and we look forward to welcoming the Barbasol Championship in 2015."

The Trail opened in 1992 with eight facilities, the realization of a grand plan by Dr. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, to diversify the assets of the state's pension fund and help the state's economy. Bronner selected Robert Trent Jones Sr., the famed golf course architect, and his company to design the series of courses. Grand National, which has two championship courses - the Lake and the Links - plus a short course, was among the original eight facilities. A golfing community and Marriott Hotel are adjacent to the courses at Grand National.

In 1997, the Lake Course played host to what is now the Web.com Tour Championship, the season-ending championship for the PGA TOUR's Web.com Tour. The tournament also was held at RTJ Golf Trail courses in Mobile (1998), Dothan (1999-2000) and Prattville (2001-2005).

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Foundation, located in Birmingham, Ala., was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization with the purpose of sponsoring professional golf tournaments and related activities to benefit charitable programs and initiatives. LPGA tournaments currently are held at two other Golf Trail facilities. Various events for amateurs are also held along the Golf Trail.