The Korn Ferry Tour has announced two additional events for the 2020 schedule, expanding the Tour's presence in one state and moving into another.
On Sept. 4, the Tour announced it has partnered with marketing firm Shamrock Sports and Entertainment to put on the inaugural Live + Work in Maine Open at Falmouth Country Club in Portland. The $600,000 first-year event will be played June 11-14, and the contract runs for five years.
The tournament will be sponsored by a consortium of Maine businesses, looking to use the tournament to market and promote Maine as a career destination. Activities during and surrounding the tournament will connect potential Mainers with full-time employers in the state in hopes of driving more residents to one of the country's stunning places.
Falmouth Country Club, designed by Brian Silva and opened in 1988, is one of the state's best courses. CBS Sports' Peter Kostis, who has a home in Maine and has an association with the club, has hosted high-profile events there.
In August, the Korn Ferry Tour also announced a new event in Lake Charles, La. The Lake Charles Championship will be part of a new Louisiana swing, joining the Chitimacha Louisiana Open as part of a March two-fer. The Lake Charles Championship will debut at The Country Club at Golden Nugget from March 26-29, with a $600,000 purse.
The Lake Charles/SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau signed a five-year deal with the Korn Ferry Tour to present the event.
The Country Club at Golden Nugget opened in 2015 and is considered one of the best courses in the state. The course features open playing areas and beautiful scenery in the 7,000-yard Origins Golf Designs creation. The 242-acre waterfront casino resort will be host and official hotel for the event as well.
