For more than a decade, professional golf had a familiar autumn home in Jackson.
The PGA Tour’s annual stop brought players, fans and national attention to the Country Club of Jackson, carving out a steady place on the tour calendar.
That run has now hit pause.
With the tournament’s longtime title sponsor stepping away after 13 years, organizers are facing a reset that likely pushes PGA golf in Jackson into the future rather than the immediate next season.
According to organizers, the earliest realistic window for the PGA Tour to return to Jackson is now 2027.
While 2026 has not been formally ruled out, those involved acknowledge it is increasingly unlikely without a sponsor secured well in advance.
The loss of a title sponsor matters more than a logo on signage. On the PGA Tour, that backing is the financial backbone that makes a tournament possible, from player purses to operations to the ability to stay on the tour schedule.
Tournament officials have been open about the challenge. Without a sponsor in place soon, the timeline simply does not work for a 2026 event, especially given how early the PGA Tour finalizes its schedules.
Still, those same officials say the door is not closed on the event long term. Instead, the focus has shifted to building something sustainable rather than rushing into a return that lacks stability.
Long partnership comes to an end
The departing sponsor had been tied to the Jackson tournament for 13 years, a stretch that helped establish the event as a consistent presence on the PGA Tour.
During that time, the tournament became a reliable stop for players and a significant event for the city. It also generated economic activity and supported charitable efforts connected to the tournament.
Organizers emphasized that the end of the sponsorship does not reflect a lack of success, but rather a natural conclusion to a long business relationship.
Even so, replacing that level of support is not a simple task.
Finding a new title sponsor requires more than interest. It demands a long-term commitment that aligns with the PGA Tour’s expectations and the tournament’s financial needs.
Officials said discussions with potential sponsors continue, but no agreement has been announced.
That uncertainty is what makes 2026 difficult to project with confidence.
The reality, organizers say, is that the PGA Tour calendar does not wait. Without firm commitments, Jackson risks being left off the schedule for another year.
Why 2027 has become focus
The shift toward 2027 is rooted in practicality. Tournament planners believe that timeline allows enough runway to secure sponsorship, coordinate with the PGA Tour and ensure the event can return on solid footing.
Trying to compress that process into a 2026 return would require swift decisions and financial backing that has not yet materialized.
Organizers have acknowledged that missing a year is not ideal, but returning underprepared could be worse for the event’s long-term health.
A 2027 target also provides time to reassure the PGA Tour that Jackson can continue to meet expectations as a host city and tournament site.
The Country Club of Jackson remains a viable venue, and officials remain in communication with tour representatives as plans evolve.
“We want to make sure that when the tournament comes back, it’s positioned to succeed for years, not just one season,” an official said.
That mindset reflects a cautious approach rather than an abandoned one.
Impact beyond tournament
The absence of a PGA Tour event would be felt beyond the golf course.
The tournament has traditionally brought visitors, filled hotels and boosted local businesses during its run.
Local leaders recognize that losing the event, even temporarily, creates a noticeable gap in Jackson’s sports and tourism calendar.
At the same time, organizers say the pause offers an opportunity to reassess and strengthen the event’s foundation before returning.
The hope is that a new sponsor can step in with a long-term vision that matches what the tournament has meant to the community.
Until then, the future remains uncertain but not abandoned. Conversations continue, and optimism remains cautious rather than inflated.
For now, Jackson waits — not for a farewell, but for a restart that makes sense.
Key takeaways
- Jackson’s PGA Tour event lost its title sponsor after a 13-year partnership, creating uncertainty for the near future
- Organizers now view 2027 as the most realistic return date, with 2026 increasingly unlikely
- Local leaders remain in discussions to bring PGA golf back with a sustainable long-term plan
