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10 awesome PGA Tour event logos that don’t exist anymore
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We wander down memory lane to remind ourselves of a few fun and innovative designs from the past.
I was cruising through eBay the other day, casually hunting for some vintage golf treasures from old PGA Tour tournaments, and found myself falling in love with all of them. Fun, quirky, playful and interesting, here’s a few vintage PGA Tour event logos I came across along the way, so let’s take a stroll down memory lane.
1. Greater Milwaukee Open
The site of Tiger Woods’ professional debut and last played in 2009, the 1980 iteration of its logo is so iconic it still emblazons hats and t-shirts to this day.
2. De Soto Open Invitational
A one-and-done PGA Tour event , contested in 1960 and won by Sam Snead, its logo was a delightfully Atomic Age design, with its globe slowly morphing into a golf ball next to a putter and set of multicolor tees.
3. Florida Citrus Open
Known these days as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which followed with its own iconic logo, some credit is due to the event that preceded it. The Florida Citrus Open logo was as good as its name, with a putter and golf ball featured inside a larger, cartoon orange design.
4. The B.C. Open
A victim of the FedEx Cup’s introduction, the B.C. Open ran from 1972 to 2006 , and its logo starred one of the characters from the comic strip it was named after.
5. Kemper Open
Best known as the Kemper Open before changing names twice and suffering the same fate as the B.C. Open, perhaps no regular Tour event has boasted this level of patriotism before or since.
6. Sahara Invitational Golf Tournament
An event that ran from 1962 to 1976, it featured an impressive list of winners and a Mad Men era logo that’s exactly what you’d expect from a Sahara-themed, Las Vegas hotel title sponsor.
7. Walt Disney World Golf Classic
With past winners including Tiger Woods, David Duval, Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart and Vijay Singh, the tournament’s former logo bested them all. Simple but perfect: A golf ball with the iconic Mickey Mouse ears sitting on top.
8. Bob Hope Desert Classic
Now known as The American Express, Bob Hope featured in the event’s name from 1965 to 2011, but its logo game was at its best in the 60s and 70s.
9. Hawaiian Open
The Sony Open’s current branding nods to the original , but the original Hawaiian Open logo featured some variation of two golf clubs crossing a pineapple that, like the Greater Milwaukee Open, is so iconic you can still purchase it today.
10. Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic
An honorable mention for the Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic logo , which looks like it’d be equally at home on golf club entrance sign, a shirt in the merchandise tent, or on a beer can.
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PGA Tournament Logos – The Ultimate Collection
When it comes to sports events, logo design plays a crucial role in establishing brand identity and creating a visual representation that engages fans and sponsors alike. In the world of golf, PGA Tournament logos hold significant importance as they embody the spirit and essence of the prestigious tournaments. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of PGA Tournament logos, exploring their evolution, key elements, memorable examples, design principles, branding impact, professional logo design tips, marketing potential, and the future of these logos.
Evolution of PGA Tournament Logos
Looking back at the early years of PGA Tournament logos, we can see how they have undergone significant transformations. These logos started with simple designs, focusing on highlighting the tournament’s name and year. Over time, as design technology and graphic capabilities improved, the logos became more intricate and visually appealing.
The evolution of PGA Tournament logos can be attributed to advancements in graphic design software, allowing designers to experiment with different elements. From subtle changes in typography to the incorporation of iconic golf symbols, each logo tells a unique story and reflects the evolution of the tournaments themselves.
Key Elements of PGA Tournament Logos
Symbolism plays a crucial role in designing PGA Tournament logos. The logos often incorporate elements like golf clubs, balls, flags, or silhouettes of professional golfers to represent the sport and its values. These symbols create an immediate association with golf and evoke a sense of excitement among fans.
The choice of color scheme is another significant element in PGA Tournament logos. Vibrant colors like green, blue, and yellow are often used to convey a sense of energy and passion. Additionally, typography choices, whether bold and modern or elegant and traditional, contribute to the overall visual appeal of the logos.
Examples of Memorable PGA Tournament Logos
Over the years, there have been several iconic PGA Tournament logos that have left a lasting impression. One such example is the logo for The Masters, featuring the iconic green jacket synonymous with the tournament’s prestige. This logo perfectly captures the essence of the event, creating a sense of exclusivity and tradition.
Another memorable logo is that of the PGA Championship, which incorporates elements like a golf club and a fierce-looking golfer. This logo embodies the competitive nature of the tournament and conveys a sense of determination and skill.
The success of these memorable PGA Tournament logos can be attributed to their ability to effectively incorporate LSI keywords and synonyms related to golf, creating a strong brand identity and enhanced recognition among fans and sponsors.
Design Principles for Effective PGA Tournament Logos
For a PGA Tournament logo to be effective, simplicity and readability are paramount. The logo should be easily recognizable even when scaled down to smaller sizes or reproduced in various mediums. Striking the right balance between tradition and modernity is also crucial to ensure that the logo appeals to both longstanding golf enthusiasts and younger generations.
Furthermore, attention to scalability and versatility allows the logo to be used across a wide range of applications and promotional materials without losing its impact. This flexibility is essential for maintaining consistency in branding efforts.
The Role of PGA Tournament Logos in Branding
PGA Tournament logos play a vital role in creating brand recognition and recall. By associating the tournaments with visually appealing and memorable logos, organizers can establish a strong brand identity that resonates with fans and sponsors alike.
Strategies for utilizing PGA Tournament logos in branding include incorporating them into various touchpoints such as tournament websites, merchandise, social media graphics, and promotional materials. These logos can also be instrumental in creating a cohesive and unified visual identity for different PGA tournaments, reinforcing their connection to the PGA Tour.
Professional Logo Design Tips for PGA Tournaments
When designing a logo for a PGA Tournament, it is essential to thoroughly research and understand the target audience. This helps in creating a logo that resonates with golf enthusiasts, sponsors, and players. Collaboration between designers and tournament organizers is also crucial to capturing the tournament’s essence and key messages.
Creating a unique and memorable logo often involves thinking outside the box and experimenting with different design techniques. Paying attention to detail and incorporating elements specific to the tournament, such as the location or the tournament’s history, can add a personal touch and enhance the logo’s impact.
Utilizing PGA Tournament Logos for Marketing and Merchandising
PGA Tournament logos present immense marketing and merchandising opportunities for organizers. Leveraging the popularity and recognition of the logos, organizers can launch logo-driven marketing campaigns to expand the brand’s presence and engage with fans.
In addition, incorporating the logos in promotional materials, merchandise, and apparel creates a sense of exclusivity around the tournament and offers revenue opportunities through licensing. Whether it’s a branded golf shirt or a commemorative poster, fans are more likely to make a purchase if the logo resonates with them.
The Future of PGA Tournament Logos
As design trends and technology continue to advance, we can expect to see further developments in PGA Tournament logos. Interactive logos, incorporating elements like motion graphics or augmented reality, may emerge, creating an immersive experience for fans.
Additionally, sustainability and eco-consciousness are becoming increasingly important. Future logo designs may incorporate elements that reflect the commitment of the PGA Tour and tournament organizers to environmental stewardship.
Despite the anticipated changes, the core principles of effective logo design, such as simplicity, readability, and symbolism, will continue to guide the creation of captivating PGA Tournament logos.
PGA Tournament logos are essential elements in establishing brand identity and creating a visual representation of the prestigious golf tournaments. Through their evolution, key design elements, and branding impact, these logos not only engage golf enthusiasts but also attract sponsors and enhance the overall tournament experience.
By following professional logo design tips, utilizing these logos for marketing and merchandising, and staying ahead of future design trends, PGA Tournament organizers can continue to captivate fans and create lasting impressions through their visually appealing and memorable logos.
Robert Akin
PGA OF AMERICA Brand Guides & Logos
* Please note while we strive to keep the online brand guide accurate and up-to-date, it is subject to change without notice. For the most current and authoritative version of our brand guidelines, we recommend always viewing online for the latest version.
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Fun, quirky, playful and interesting, here’s a few vintage PGA Tour event logos I came across along the way, so let’s take a stroll down memory lane.
The PGA Tour Logo symbolizes the pursuit of excellence and competitive spirit in the world of professional golf, embodying the excitement and thrill of the sport.
PGA TOUR logo CMYK and RGB colorations should visually match the preferred Pantone* Matching Color rendering. The unique PGA TOUR logo has come to represent the highest order of professional golf to its employees, partners
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of PGA Tournament logos, exploring their evolution, key elements, memorable examples, design principles, branding impact, professional logo design tips, marketing potential, and the future of these logos.
Find the PGA TOUR style guide with brand assets such as logos, colors, fonts, and more.
PGA® letters and the PGA championship names, and event logos are trademarks of the PGA of America. The LPGA, and KPMG names and logo marks are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.