Golfweek: 2009 Buick Open To Be The Last

Golfweek's Adam Schupak is reporting a confirmation of what we have known for quite some time now - the Buick Open is going away after this year. 

Golfweek has learned that next week’s Buick Open will be the final rendition of the tournament, bringing to an end the automaker’s 51-year run with the Michigan event, the PGA Tour’s longest partnership.

According to two sources familiar with the situation, the Tour is planning to make an announcement the week of Aug. 3 – after the Buick Open – to unveil a new title sponsor and venue to replace what has been a Tour calendar staple.

"Buick doesn’t have the finances; GM can’t afford it," Tom Pernice, Jr. said about the automaker’s parent company. "From a perception standpoint, you can’t lay off all those people and then sponsor a golf tournament."

This development probably serves as the explanation for why Tiger Woods committed to playing in the Buick Open on the deadline.  He knew what was going to happen to the tournament.

"I never miss a year there," Pernice said. "It’s one I always go to. I’m glad to see Tiger committed. It will be a huge boost to the event. With it being the last one, I couldn’t be happier for them."

Now, the question inevitably rises about the future of the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines.  Buick will almost assuredly be out as sponsor there.  The odds of finding a title sponsor to remain at that site, though, are extremely high given Tiger's regular appearances and the host course.

The next step in this story will be the tournament to replace the Buick Open - where and who will sponsor it.