2015 Hotel Fitness Championship

 

 

For a number of years this was the official website for the Hotel Fitness Championship.
Content is from the site's 2015 Hotel Fitness Championship.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2015
Pro-Am
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2015
First Round
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2015
Second Round
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 2015
Third Round
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 2015
Final Round

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TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015

Pro-Am (Tee Times)

7:30 am- 9:30 am

12:30 pm- 2:30 pm

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015

First Round of the Hotel Fitness Championship

Tee Times off of #1 and #10 tee

7:40 am- 9:40 am

12:40 pm- 2:40 pm

Friday, Sept. 11, 2015

Second Round of Hotel Fitness Championship

Tee Times off of #1 and #10 tee

7:40 am- 9:40 am

12:40 pm- 2:40 pm

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015

Third Round of Hotel Fitness Championship

Tee Times off of #1 tee

7:45 am- 2:05 pm

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015

Final Round of Hotel Fitness Championship

7:45 am- 2:05 pm

Note: All times are approximate and subject to change

 

 

Date: September 9-13, 2015, see Schedule of Events
Event Title: Hotel Fitness Championship
Location: Sycamore Hills Golf Club, Fort Wayne, IN
Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus (1987)
Purse: $1 million in prize money; $180,000 to the champion
Field: Top 75 from Web.com Tour Money List, 126-200 from PGA TOUR FedExCup points list
Web.com Tour Finals: 1st leg, 150 players invited to participate
Defending Champion: Bud Cauley  (Player Profile)

 

Related: As a member of the Sycamore Hills Golf Club, I am proud to say that the Sycamore Hills Golf Club has hosted at least one professional tournament or national championship every year since 2009. Unfortunately, starting in 2016, the course will return to being exclusively for the members. I just saw a press release where Sycamore Hills general manager Eric Schneider confirmed that the Hotel Fitness Championship will not be back next season. Players in the Hotel Fitness Championship raved about Sycamore Hills, often saying it was the best-conditioned course they played on.

Sycamore Hills recently completed two years of renovations to the course and clubhouse. The Hotel Fitness Championship raised money locally for Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House and the Evans Scholars, the charitable arm of the Western Golf Association which hosted the event. It turns out that the three-year contract between Sycamore Hills and the PGA Tour to host the event expired this year. Sycamore Hills general manager Eric Schneider was quoted as saying:

“Obviously we’ve got a championship venue. Going forward, we will entertain (the opportunity to host) events that may possibly come our way. The good news is we’ve been fortunate to demonstrate we’ve got a championship venue. There are a lot of people looking to play national events."

Additionally, during the tournaments, the club often gave away Superman T-shirts, which became a hit among the attendees. These T-shirts were a fantastic promotion for several reasons. Firstly, they created a sense of unity and excitement among the fans, as wearing them made everyone feel part of a special event. Secondly, the iconic Superman logo added an element of fun and nostalgia, appealing to a wide range of ages and helping to create lasting memories associated with the event. Lastly, these T-shirts served as a tangible keepsake, reminding attendees of their enjoyable experiences at Sycamore Hills, and promoting the club long after the event had ended. This clever marketing strategy not only enhanced the experience for attendees but also helped to build the club's reputation as a venue that knows how to combine top-notch golf with engaging, fan-friendly activities. I hope we continue to attract major events in the future.

 


 

Title Sponsor: Bruce Dye, CEO of Hotel Fitness, a Brigadoon Fitness Company
Conducted by: Western Golf Association in conjunction with Bruno Event Team
Tournament Benefiting Charity: Evans Scholars Foundation, which awards college scholarships to caddies from modest means
Volunteers: Estimated 500 volunteers
TV Coverage: Golf Channel, see Schedule of Events for times
Admission Policy: Ticket or approved credentials are required to access the tournament grounds. Please visit our FAQ page for junior admission policy and military discounts. Tickets are available online or the gate.
Accommodations: Please visit the website closer to the tournament for accommodation information.
Parking: Parking is free for all tournament patrons. VIPs, caddies, volunteers and spectators will all park in Lot P, located off of Covington Road. Use address 11430 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814 for GPS directions. Click here for a map.
Course Map: Course maps will be available during tournament rounds in the pairings guides. Click here to view the tournament map.

FAQ

 

Ticket Information:

When will my order be sent?
Online purchasers will receive a confirmation email and electronic tickets almost immediately after completing the transaction. Tickets may be forwarded by email or printed at any time.

Are there refunds on tickets purchased?
There are no refunds and/or exchanges. All sales are final.

Can I leave tickets at Will Call?
Yes! Will Call will be located onsite at Sycamore Hills Golf Club during the Championship.  A photo ID will be required to obtain your tickets. Location and hours will be determined at a later date. Please check back for more information.

Are there junior discounts?
Juniors 16 and under will be admitted FREE any day of the week when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Limit 2 juniors per adult.

Are there military discounts?
Those displaying a valid military ID for active or retired military personnel will receive FREE admission any day of the tournament. Offer not valid for family or friends of military personnel. Visit the Tickets & Will Call office onsite at Sycamore Hills Golf Club to receive your ticket.

Can I leave the tournament and then come back on the same day?
No, there will be no re-entry to the grounds of the Hotel Fitness Championship. If you leave the grounds, you must have a full ticket to return.

Parking & Access Information:

 

Where can I park?
VIP, caddie, general spectator and volunteer parking will all be located in Lot P off of Covington Road. The nearest address to the grass parking lot is 11430 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Please follow directional signage to access the lot.

Are there handicap accessible areas?
Yes, handicap parking is available for those who have the proper state issued credentials visible. A parking attendant will direct those vehicles to the appropriate area. There are also handicap accessible viewing areas on the holes surrounding the clubhouse.

Can I ride my bike to the tournament?
Yes, bike parking is available in the general spectator parking lot. Please bring your own lock to secure your bike. Bikes are not permitted on the golf course.

Prohibited Items & Mobile Device Policy:

What items are prohibited?
The following items are prohibited from championship grounds:

    • (*) All personal electronics including TV’s, handheld games, MP3 players, iPods and other electronic devices. Regarding the mobile device policy, please see the question: “Can I bring a mobile device?”
    • Outside food or beverages, bikes, coolers, ladders, signs, banners, backpacks (larger than 10x10x10), metal spiked golf shoes and chairs with hard backs and arm rests (portable stools and camping chairs are permitted).
    • Weapons will not be allowed regardless of permit.
    • Dogs and other pets.
    • Cameras (only allowed on practice rounds or Pro-Am days, Tuesday-Wednesday).

(*) All patrons will go through a security checkpoint and metal detectors. Those individuals with a prohibited item will be required to return items to their car.

Can I bring a mobile device?
A mobile device is a device that can send/receive calls and/or a device that can send/receive data. The policy is:

    • The device must be on silent at all times.
    • Calls may be placed or received in PGA TOUR approved “designated areas” only.
    • Designated areas are away from play, usually near concession areas or the clubhouse.
    • Audio, video and photography policies are unchanged.
      • No audio or video capture is permitted at any time.
      • No still photography is permitted at any time during competition rounds.
    • Permissible data transfer will be consistent with current media regulations.
    • Data use (e.g., texting, email, etc.) will be permitted outside of the designated areas
    • Data use is not permitted when players are in position to compete (i.e., when “QUIET PLEASE” paddles are raised).

Can I bring a camera?
Cameras will only be allowed during Pro-Ams and practice rounds, Tuesday-Wednesday of tournament week. They will not be permitted on competition days, Thursday-Sunday.

Can I bring a stroller?
Yes, strollers are allowed for small children.

Player & Autograph Information:

What players qualify to play in the Hotel Fitness Championship?
The field at the Hotel Fitness Championship will be determined by the final money lists on both the Web.com Tour and the PGA Tour. The top 75 players from the Web.com Tour money list and the players ranking 126-200 on the PGA Tour FedExCup points listwill be invited to participate in the Web.com Tour Finals, starting with the Hotel Fitness Championship. *The Web.com Tour will begin their 2015 season in February.

Is there a 36-hole cut?
The Hotel Fitness Championship will start with a field of approximately 144-150 players. It is a 72-hole stroke play event with a 36-hole cut coming at the Web.com Tour’s standard low 65 cumulative scores and ties.

Where can I get autographs?
Autographs may be requested and given at the players’ convenience during the Mad Anthonys Pro-Am or practice rounds, Tuesday-Wednesday. Some players may choose to sign autographs after competition, Thursday-Sunday. The practice areas are typically the best locations to seek autographs.

 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Hotel Fitness Championship offers an array of hospitality options providing an electrifying atmosphere and a one-of-a-kind experience.

As a supporter of the Hotel Fitness Championship, you will not only have a great view of the action on the course, but also the opportunity to entertain new and existing clients, vendors, employees, and more. Hospitality options range from shared packages to private venues. Our packages can be customized to fit any budget and are sure to yield a positive return on your investment.

2015 Sponsorship Packages

The Nicklaus Sky Box

The Golden Bear Club (Sold Out)

Wednesday Pro-Am

Monday Pro-Am (Sold Out)

Marketing Opportunities

Corporate Ticket Packages

Presenting Sponsorship

Chris Montagano
Tournament Director
(260) 271-1153
[email protected]

 

More Background On HotelFitnessChampionship.com

 

For several years, HotelFitnessChampionship.com served as the official online hub for one of Indiana’s most prestigious sporting events: the Hotel Fitness Championship, a professional golf tournament held at Sycamore Hills Golf Club in Fort Wayne. The event was part of the Web.com Tour Finals (now the Korn Ferry Tour), functioning as a critical gateway for aspiring golfers seeking to earn their PGA Tour cards.

Although the tournament concluded after its 2015 season, the website remains an enduring record of the event’s organization, schedule, sponsors, and community impact. Understanding its background offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of professional sport, regional identity, and philanthropic initiative.

Origins of the Hotel Fitness Championship

The Hotel Fitness Championship began in 2013 as the opening event in the newly established Web.com Tour Finals series. These Finals replaced the old PGA Tour Qualifying School (“Q-School”) system, creating a four-event playoff to determine which players would earn or regain their PGA Tour cards for the following season.

The tournament was made possible through the partnership of Hotel Fitness, a fitness-equipment supply company headquartered in Fort Wayne, and the Western Golf Association (WGA), one of the oldest and most respected organizations in American golf.

Hotel Fitness, led by CEO Bruce Dye, became the title sponsor, lending the company’s name to the event and committing significant local investment. The WGA, which also administers the famed Evans Scholars Foundation, brought its operational expertise and charitable mission to the tournament’s management.

Location: Sycamore Hills Golf Club

The championship’s venue, Sycamore Hills Golf Club, is a jewel of Midwestern golf architecture. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1987, the course sprawls across more than 250 acres of rolling terrain near Covington Road in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Its reputation for immaculate conditioning, strategic bunkering, and challenging greens made it an ideal stage for professional play.

During the Hotel Fitness Championship years (2013–2015), Sycamore Hills was widely praised by players and commentators alike as one of the finest courses on the Web.com Tour. Many golfers remarked that it was “the best-conditioned course” they had played that season, underscoring the club’s commitment to excellence.

Tournament Schedule and Format

Each edition of the Hotel Fitness Championship was a 72-hole stroke-play event with a 36-hole cut to the low 65 players and ties. The 2015 tournament schedule ran from September 9–13, with the following structure:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 9: Pro-Am Day

  • Thursday, Sept. 10: First Round

  • Friday, Sept. 11: Second Round

  • Saturday, Sept. 12: Third Round

  • Sunday, Sept. 13: Final Round

Tee times began around 7:40 a.m. each morning, with pairings starting from both the first and tenth tees on the opening days. The total purse was $1 million, with $180,000 awarded to the champion.

The field consisted of approximately 150 players, drawn from two categories:

  • The top 75 on the Web.com Tour money list

  • Players ranked 126–200 in the PGA Tour’s FedExCup standings

This format ensured a highly competitive event, featuring both rising stars and seasoned veterans fighting to regain PGA Tour status.

Defending Champions and Notable Winners

Among the tournament’s champions, Bud Cauley stood out as the 2014 winner, marking an important milestone in his career comeback after injury. Earlier champions included Trevor Immelman, who won the inaugural 2013 event — a victory that helped him regain his PGA Tour card and reaffirm his status as a major champion (he had previously captured the 2008 Masters Tournament).

These winners demonstrated the tournament’s role as both a proving ground and a second chance for professional golfers seeking to establish themselves on golf’s biggest stage.

Sponsorship and Organizational Team

The title sponsor, Hotel Fitness, is a division of Brigadoon Fitness, a Fort Wayne-based company specializing in commercial fitness equipment and facility design. The firm’s CEO, Bruce Dye, was instrumental in bringing high-level professional golf back to Fort Wayne. Dye’s vision extended beyond sport — he viewed the tournament as a way to showcase the city’s hospitality industry and attract national attention.

Operational management was handled by the Bruno Event Team, a respected sports event management firm that worked in tandem with the Western Golf Association to coordinate logistics, volunteers, and corporate partnerships.

According to tournament director Chris Montagano, the event’s corporate sponsorship packages — from skyboxes and VIP hospitality tents to Pro-Am opportunities — were designed to create an “electrifying atmosphere” for fans and business partners alike.

Community and Charitable Impact

The Hotel Fitness Championship wasn’t just about golf; it was about giving back. The event benefited two major charities:

  1. The Evans Scholars Foundation, the WGA’s flagship program that provides full college scholarships to caddies from modest means.

  2. Mad Anthonys Children’s Hope House, a Fort Wayne nonprofit that offers lodging and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment.

Over its three-year run, the tournament raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for these causes. The WGA estimated that proceeds from the Hotel Fitness Championship helped fund numerous Evans Scholarships, directly impacting local youth through education.

Fan Experience and Local Culture

Spectators attending the Hotel Fitness Championship enjoyed a family-friendly, accessible experience. Admission policies included free entry for juniors under 16 (accompanied by a ticketed adult) and free tickets for active or retired military personnel. Parking was complimentary at the nearby Lot P off Covington Road, with shuttle service to the course.

The event also became known for its fun promotional giveaways, such as the now-famous Superman T-shirts, distributed during tournament days. These shirts fostered a sense of unity among fans and became memorable keepsakes symbolizing Fort Wayne’s enthusiasm for the championship.

Local restaurants, hotels, and retailers benefited significantly from the influx of visitors. The tournament drew thousands of spectators each year, boosting the hospitality and service industries across northeast Indiana.

Media Coverage and Television Presence

The tournament received national coverage through the Golf Channel, which broadcast live rounds and highlights throughout the week. This exposure placed both Sycamore Hills and Fort Wayne in the national spotlight, showcasing the region’s capacity to host a professional sporting event of national relevance.

The event also drew attention from local media outlets such as The Journal Gazette and The News-Sentinel, which covered everything from player interviews to volunteer stories.

In addition to mainstream coverage, social media engagement through Facebook and Twitter gave the Hotel Fitness Championship an approachable, community-oriented digital presence — a forerunner to the localized fan engagement strategies now common in professional sports marketing.

Volunteers and Event Operations

Running a professional golf event of this magnitude required an army of volunteers — around 500 each year, according to the WGA. Volunteers managed ticketing, parking, scoring, crowd control, and hospitality services.

Many participants came from Fort Wayne’s local golf community, and the camaraderie developed among volunteers became one of the most cherished aspects of the event. As one local volunteer put it, “You get to see world-class golf and be part of something bigger than yourself — it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Rules, Access, and Etiquette

The championship maintained strict PGA Tour conduct standards to ensure a respectful and enjoyable environment for players and fans. Prohibited items included large bags, outside food, weapons, and cameras during competition rounds.

However, fans could bring mobile devices under a carefully controlled “silent mode” policy, permitting limited data use and photography only during designated times. These rules mirrored PGA Tour regulations, reinforcing the tournament’s professional credibility.

Accessibility was also a focus — the event offered handicap-accessible viewing areas and parking zones for disabled spectators, ensuring inclusivity and comfort.

Marketing and Sponsorship Packages

HotelFitnessChampionship.com detailed a variety of sponsorship opportunities aimed at businesses seeking exposure and client entertainment. Packages included:

  • The Nicklaus Sky Box: Premium hospitality with course views.

  • The Golden Bear Club: A sold-out exclusive club for corporate partners.

  • Monday and Wednesday Pro-Am events: Opportunities for amateurs to play alongside professionals.

  • Corporate ticket packages: Designed for networking and brand engagement.

This commercial aspect was balanced by the tournament’s charitable goals, creating a model of sports philanthropy that resonated strongly with both sponsors and the Fort Wayne public.

The End of an Era

After the 2015 season, it was announced that the three-year hosting agreement between the PGA Tour and Sycamore Hills Golf Club had concluded. The course’s general manager, Eric Schneider, confirmed that the event would not return the following year.

The club had recently undergone two years of renovations, and management decided to return Sycamore Hills to exclusive private-member use beginning in 2016. Nevertheless, Schneider emphasized that the club remained open to hosting future national events, noting proudly that “we’ve got a championship venue.”

The end of the Hotel Fitness Championship marked the close of an exciting chapter for Fort Wayne sports, but its impact — on local charities, golf fans, and community pride — continues to be felt.

Legacy and Significance

The Hotel Fitness Championship demonstrated that regional communities can successfully host top-tier professional events when supported by strong local leadership and national partnerships.

The tournament’s combination of high-quality golf, charitable fundraising, and community engagement created a blueprint for similar events nationwide. It highlighted Fort Wayne as a capable host city and underscored the power of sport to unite people around shared values of excellence, generosity, and pride of place.

Even though HotelFitnessChampionship.com now exists only as an archived site, its detailed event pages, schedules, and photo galleries remain a time capsule of an era when professional golf energized northeast Indiana.

Through the efforts of Hotel Fitness, the Western Golf Association, Sycamore Hills Golf Club, and countless volunteers, the championship left an indelible mark on Fort Wayne’s cultural and philanthropic landscape.

 

The story of HotelFitnessChampionship.com reflects more than just a golf tournament — it’s a case study in community collaboration, sports marketing, and charitable impact. From its roots in 2013 through its final event in 2015, the championship showcased world-class golf, supported meaningful causes, and placed Fort Wayne on the map for professional sport.

Its legacy endures through the scholarships it funded, the memories it created, and the pride it brought to the people of Indiana.

 

 

HotelFitnessChampionship.com