If the Barclays tournament didn’t put Jersey City on the national golfing map, then how about the fact that the PGA selected Jersey City for the 2017 President Cup to be played at Liberty National?
This is a Professional Golfers Association event in which the best American and international golfers compete – and to which most of the living presidents usually show up. City officials couldn’t be more thrilled.
“I’m super excited,” said Ward E Councilwoman Candice Osborne. “This thing is really huge for our city and it makes me proud that the rest of the world will get to see how awesome we are.”
Prior to this, Liberty National served as the site for The Barclays in 2009 and 2013, winning prestige and national attention for one of the area’s premier golf courses. But the new agreement will go farther, raising the profile of the Jersey City course on the national stage.
“Today was a great day for Jersey City as we announced that Jersey City will host the PGA 2017 Presidents Cup.” – Mayor Steve Fulop
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Local officials said the city will work with the PGA and Liberty National to deal with logistics and other issues as they did for the Barclay’s events.
“Today was a great day for Jersey City as we announced that Jersey City will host the PGA 2017 Presidents Cup,” said Mayor Steve Fulop. “Not only will we will have all the living presidents here at the opening ceremony as honorary chairmen and of course the best golfers in the world as the US team competes, but the tournament will also help raise funds for local charities. Jersey City has been host to the Barclays, the two Super Bowl teams and is now announcing another major PGA event for our city. Our administration will continue to attract events like these to our city, which both brings tourism and investment as well as exposure on the global level.”
Jersey City, leaving scandal behind
Jersey City has been in search of ways that would promote the city as a tourist destination, and deals such as the PGA agreement appear to be working toward that goal.
When Fulop ran for mayor in early 2013, he said he wanted to get people to see Jersey City as the best mid-sized city in America – something he’s repeated often since. Earlier this year, he launched a marketing campaign to brand the city. This would include some kind of logo and tagline, a new website, and a social media effort to bring people to the city.
The PGA deal along with the Superbowl events earlier this year go a long way towards making Jersey City stand out in the national eye.
“It furthers a positive image of our city, the place we all love, but that the world hasn’t gotten to hear about given our past scandals,” Osborne said. “When we host the Super Bowl teams, the 4th of July Celebration, and the PGA tournaments; we tell a different story about Jersey City. That story – that positive brand image – puts Jersey City on the map in front of decision makers as a viable place where you can move, locate your business or visit. Not only will the PGA tournaments help our brand, but they also will provide exposure to golf to our residents and patronage at our local restaurants and hotels. So the benefit to Jersey City is tremendous.
“Of course,” she added, “it also benefits me and my son, that it will now be super easy to get my dad to come visit in 2017.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.