Ricoh, signed an agreement with the Ladies Golf Union and IMG on Wednesday (July 29, 2015) to continue as title sponsor of the Ricoh Women’s British Open through 2018. The company has been the title sponsor of the Ricoh Women’s British Open since 2007.
The sponsorship of Women’s British Open is one of the longest serving sponsors in women’s golf. Last year worldwide spending on golf sponsorship was around $1.65 billion, up 3.1% from 2013, according to IEG Research. The 2 most active sponsor of golf worldwide were BMW and Rolex.
As we can see below, Ricoh’s commitment to golf is a refreshing exception since the technology industry is less active in golf sponsorship. However it is not a big surprise as golf events are not typical B2B promotion and sales venues.
I think such sponsorship can only bring brand recall, understanding and may be engagement for Ricoh. Today, sponsors like Ricoh, are looking for gaining deeper and more emotional engagement with fans and staff. For this golf championship is a great moment.
Woburn Golf Club and Kingsbarns Golf Links will host the Ricoh Women’s British Open in 2016 and 2017 respectively with this week’s Championship being played on the Ailsa Course at the Trump Turnberry Resort.