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The Colonial gains new title sponsor

The Colonial has a new title sponsor for its PGA Tour event, signing a six-year deal with Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts that runs through 2012.

Colonial Country Club announced the deal Tuesday. The hotel chain replaces Bank of America, which decided not to renew its deal after four years, including the tournament's 50th anniversary in May.

No course has hosted a PGA Tour event longer than Colonial.

Bank of America made its debut as title sponsor by giving Annika Sorenstam a sponsor exemption to play in 2003, making her the first woman in 58 years to compete on the men's pro tour.

The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial will be played May 24-27, with a purse of $6 million.

July 26, 2006