World returning to Marana in 2013

It’s official: The Accenture Match Play Championship is coming back to Marana in 2013.

When the event is held next Feb. 18-24, it will mark the seventh consecutive year the PGA TOUR has come to Marana. It’s a tremendous honor and one we take seriously.

Our police department, traffic engineering and operations and maintenance personnel will ensure that fans and players have an enjoyable and safe experience. The Town will continue partnering with local Accenture Match Play officials to promote the tournament to a worldwide audience through our popular web site and social media outlets.

The Town worked closely with The Gallery Golf Club the first two years the event was held here. For the past four years, the good people at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Golf Club have been our partners. Both venues and their staffs are top-notch and have done their part to make the Accenture Match Play such a success.

We also hope the event makes Marana its long-term home. PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said during tournament week this year that the event was committed to Southern Arizona through 2014. As the mayor and a member of this community, I hope that means we have Match Play in Marana for at least two more years.

We look forward to the 2013 tournament and another opportunity to show the world what a special place we have in Marana. This regional event proves that, when given the opportunity, individual communities can make Southern Arizona the kind of place that people want to visit and live. There’s no overestimating the value of having the Accenture Match Play in our backyard every year.