Bass Pro extends Legends of Golf sponsorship

Bass Pro Shops signed a four-year extension to sponsor the PGA Tour Champions’ Legends of Golf tournament, the parties announced at the conclusion of the 2017 competition at Big Cedar Lodge south of Branson.

The Springfield outdoor retailer’s sponsorship began in 2014 when Legends of Golf moved to Johnny Morris’ Big Cedar Lodge. The tournament dubbed Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge will continue through 2021, according to a news release. Bass Pro spokesman Jack Wlezien declined to disclose the value of the deal.

“Johnny Morris’ commitment to making this event a premier stop on our annual schedule has allowed this tournament to achieve immeasurable stature,” PGA Tour Champions President Greg McLaughlin said in the release.

Starting with the April 18 announcement that Tiger Woods is designing a course at Big Cedar Lodge, the Legends tournament took place Saturday and Sunday after a Friday rain delay. Due to the weather, play at the 18-hole Buffalo Ridge Golf Course was canceled. Players instead golfed at the nine-hole Top of the Rock course at the 4,600-acre Big Cedar Lodge.

Carlos Franco and Vijay Singh took home first place in the tournament’s signature event, PGA Champions, the tour’s 50-and-older circuit. Each won $232,500 for their victory at Top of the Rock, according to a separate release.

The team scored 12-under-par 42, the best 18-hole win in the tournament’s history. They also set a tournament record of 12 birdies.

In the Legends circuit for players 65 years and older, Allen Doyle and Hubert Green took home the title, according to PGATour.com.