Palm Beach County approves multi‑year sponsorship with PGA Tour for Cognizant Classic
February 11, 2026 | Palm Beach County, Florida
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The Board of County Commissioners voted Feb. 11 to approve a three‑year sponsorship agreement with PGA Tour Inc., sustaining county support for the Cognizant Classic.
Todd Bonlaren, chief deputy administrator, told commissioners the contract with the PGA’s nonprofit arm preserves the county’s role as host and preserves broadcast exposure “not just throughout America, but in over 200 countries,” and thanked PGA staff involved in late negotiations. Deputy Chief Administrator Emmanuel Perry said the tournament reaches major networks including NBC, ESPN and Golf Channel; he cited an earned‑media value of $140,000,000 since the county’s last partnership, and said the event supports roughly 2,900 jobs, about 13,000 room nights and approximately $13,000,000 in direct visitor spending for an estimated $30,000,000 total economic impact.
Commissioner Flores moved to approve the agreement; Vice Mayor Woodworth seconded and the motion carried by a recorded vote of 6-0. Commissioner Marino, participating remotely, clarified he has no financial affiliation with the event and denied any familial tie to PGA player Steven Marino.
Bonlaren told the board two contract items (access to certain audits and availability of future funds) will return as addenda for later review; staff said those provisions will not prevent executing the main agreement now. Commissioners said they expect continued outreach and reporting from the Tourist Development Council on the tournament’s economic and community benefits.
The county will execute the agreement and return any required contract amendments to the board for approval when details on audit access and future funding are finalized.
Todd Bonlaren, chief deputy administrator, told commissioners the contract with the PGA’s nonprofit arm preserves the county’s role as host and preserves broadcast exposure “not just throughout America, but in over 200 countries,” and thanked PGA staff involved in late negotiations. Deputy Chief Administrator Emmanuel Perry said the tournament reaches major networks including NBC, ESPN and Golf Channel; he cited an earned‑media value of $140,000,000 since the county’s last partnership, and said the event supports roughly 2,900 jobs, about 13,000 room nights and approximately $13,000,000 in direct visitor spending for an estimated $30,000,000 total economic impact.
Commissioner Flores moved to approve the agreement; Vice Mayor Woodworth seconded and the motion carried by a recorded vote of 6-0. Commissioner Marino, participating remotely, clarified he has no financial affiliation with the event and denied any familial tie to PGA player Steven Marino.
Bonlaren told the board two contract items (access to certain audits and availability of future funds) will return as addenda for later review; staff said those provisions will not prevent executing the main agreement now. Commissioners said they expect continued outreach and reporting from the Tourist Development Council on the tournament’s economic and community benefits.
The county will execute the agreement and return any required contract amendments to the board for approval when details on audit access and future funding are finalized.
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