KCI and Hearn will collaborate on the David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia, and The David Hearn Foundation Kia Grant. These platforms will see KCI leverage the relationship with Hearn towards the development of junior golf across Canada and raising awareness and funds for the Alzheimer Society through The David Hearn Foundation.
“We’re excited to once again support David, his Foundation and the next generation of Canadian golfers“ said Ted Lancaster, VP & COO, Kia Canada Inc. “Kia strongly believes in the benefits that sport provides, specifically for youth, and we’re committed to helping communities grow by providing them with opportunities to play and learn together.”
The partnership will continue to see Hearn represent the brand while he competes on the world-class stage of the PGA TOUR, wearing the Kia logo on the chest position of his golf apparel, while also relying on Kia’s premium vehicles off the course.
Hearn has been an ambassador of KCI since 2012, leveraging the brand’s quality features, style and premium aesthetic, affordability, safety, and spacious layout for balancing his high performance lifestyle and growing family on the road.
Hearn made headlines in 2016 as the top Canadian golfer on the PGA TOUR – recording 9 Top 25 results, including a T8 finish during the playoffs at the Deutsche Bank Championship, and representing Canada in golf at the Olympic Games in Rio. Hearn also had a successful year off the course, launching a wine label and limited edition hat under The David Hearn Foundation with proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
“Kia has been with me and my family since early on in my PGA TOUR career,” said Hearn. “I am thrilled to continue our partnership, representing Kia in the Canadian golf space, as well as collaborating on two new initiatives to support junior golf and give back to communities across Canada”.
David Hearn Junior Series presented by KIA
The David Hearn Junior Series presented by KIA will consist of five junior events across Canada followed by the David Hearn Kia Championship event from September 9-10, 2017 at Rockway Vineyards Golf Course in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Each series event will consist of 36 holes of competition and will be open to juniors of all skill levels in the following age groups: Boys & Girls (U15), Boys & Girls (U17), Boys & Girls (U19).
The low overall player from each of the five qualifying junior series events will be invited to play in the David Hearn Kia Championship.
Schedule
| Date | Event | Golf Course | Location |
| April 1-2, 2017 | David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia – Event 1 | University Golf Club | Vancouver, BC |
| May 27-28, 2017 | David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia – Event 2 | Glendale Golf & Country Club | Hamilton, ON |
| June 10-11, 2017
|
David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia – Event 3 | Coal Creek Golf Resort | Ryley, AB |
| June 10-11, 2017 | David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia – Event 4 | Club de Golf Val des Lacs | Ste. Sophie, QC |
| July TBD
|
David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia – Event 5 | TBD | TBD, SK |
| September 9-10, 2017 | David Hearn Kia Championship | Rockway Vineyards Golf Course | St. Catharines, ON |
Registration is open for the David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia, and can be found at https://cjga.com//tournaments/david-hearn-junior-series/
The David Hearn Junior Series presented by Kia will be operated in association with The David Hearn Foundation and the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) – a “registered Canadian amateur athletic association” (RCAAA) not-for-profit registered federally with Revenue Canada.
Through its six-stage competitive development program that focuses on tournaments, clinics, international competitions, and mentoring programs with PGA TOUR professionals, the CJGA introduces the game to juniors as young as five and offers competitive multi-day events for the more advanced golfer. The CJGA acts as a feeder system to provincial and national competitions, collegiate and university golf, as well as professional and recreational golf.
“We could not be happier to continue and expand our partnership with David and The David Hearn Foundation,” stated Brad Parkins, COO of the CJGA. “His desire and passion to give back to junior golf is exceptional and our members were able to see that first hand last year. Expanding the opportunity this year to reach juniors from across the country shows the commitment both David and Kia have to giving back to the game and communities across Canada.”
The David Hearn Foundation KIA Grant
The David Hearn Foundation KIA Grant is a joint-initiative by KCI and Hearn to encourage junior golfers to give back to their communities and raise funds for their local Alzheimer Society branch.
Founded in 2015, The David Hearn Foundation’s central focus is to support the Alzheimer Society of Canada in reducing the personal and social impacts of the disease by raising funds to provide individuals and families with needed programs and services. Through its partnership, the Foundation will aim to increase awareness, improve care for those in need and enhance the quality of life for those affected by the disease, while also empowering Canadians to take action and create positive change.
Further details on The David Hearn Foundation KIA Grant will be released in the coming weeks.
Kia + Golf
Kia is already involved in golf globally, with a strong presence on the LPGA Tour. Kia has gained significant presence in golf as the title sponsor of the LPGA KIA Classic since 2010. In addition to sponsoring the event, Kia is also the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA, the Official Tournament Vehicle for five LPGA events and has an integral relationship with the LPGA through the Kia Performance Awards, which recognizes outstanding achievements by some of the best golfers in the world.
ABOUT KIA CANADA
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca – www.facebook.com/kiacanada), a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 189 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 154 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, including a state-of-the-art facility in Montreal. Kia’s brand slogan “The Power to Surprise” represents the company’s global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
For more information about Kia Canada and our products, please visit our Media Centre at KiaMedia.ca
Follow KIA on Twitter: @KiaCanada
Follow David Hearn on Twitter: @HearnDavid
Follow The David Hearn Foundation on Twitter: @hearnfoundation
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Mark James
Corporate Communications Manager
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905-755-6251
C: 416-660-3568
E: mjames@kia.ca
TO ARRANGE INTERVIEWS WITH DAVID HEARN, PLEASE CONTACT:
McKenzie Clarke
Senior Manager
SportBox Entertainment Group
C: (647)-468-3500
E: mclarke@sportboxgroup.com
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