On the Move? Travelers Expresses Desire to Fill Potential Boston Gap

With a vague affirmation from Deutsche Bank Americas CEO Seth Waugh, there is renewed hope that the bank may pick up its two year option - or even go beyond that - as title sponsor of the Boston stop in the FedExCup playoffs.  Still, since the company has not announced its intention one way or another, there is speculation that the tournament could lose its sponsor or cease to be entirely.

Frankly, I see the latter scenario - the death of the Labor Day tournament - as outrageous.  It has a strong field, great fans, and has been a winner in its seven years.  But, there are two reasons to be worried about Deutsche Bank:

First, a case for caution. CA - the sponsor of the Doral event turned WGC - waited right up until this year's tournament with modest talk of their relationship with the Tour.  The Monday after the tournament ended, it was evident their time as sponsor was done.

Second, the PGA Tour will be engaging in a contract negotiation next year for the 2012 network TV deal.  Will the FedExCup even be around in 2012?  The subject has barely been broached, but if the networks want it gone - it'll probably go.  And it remains to be seen if FedEx has the interest in again ponying up the cash to keep their name on the series.  On top of that, many tournaments are unhappy to sink millions of dollars into title sponsorship and have their event still littered with the FedEx logo.

If Deutsche Bank walks away and, even worse, the tournament dies, then the Travelers Championship has expressed interest in filling the gap created by a potentially empty Labor Day on Tour.  The Tour brought up the idea to the Travelers people, clearly aware of where Deutsche Bank may or may not go.

Though Travelers is certainly not the only contender for any open spot, would that be the best place?  The old GHO is a big deal in those parts and has seen a resurgence in recent years.  TPC River Highlands has some quirks, but the players know it is a short course that can be obliterated nearly at will.  Perhaps a Labor Day birdiefest would do good for golf on what is the unofficial kickoff to football.

[H/T Golf Digest's John Strege for the find]