The Galleri Classic has quickly cemented itself as a premier event on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Launched in March 2023 at the historic Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, the tournament features 78 seasoned golf legends battling for a $2.2 million purse. Named after GRAIL’s multi-cancer early detection test, the event also champions health awareness.

Since its inception, the Galleri Classic has drawn elite talent, with David Toms claiming the inaugural title and Retief Goosen securing victory in 2024. The 2025 edition, held from March 24 to 30, boasted a stellar lineup, including Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker, and Jim Furyk, with Steve Allan emerging victorious. Beyond thrilling competition, the tournament continues to support cancer charities in the Coachella Valley, reinforcing its impact both on and off the course. But even as the Galleri Classic thrives, the broader landscape of professional golf faces mounting challenges.

The PGA Tour’s sponsorship troubles show no signs of slowing down, and now yet another event has become a victim of it. The Galleri Classic is now searching for a new title sponsor after healthcare company GRAIL opted out of its multi-year commitment. The sudden departure raises questions about the tournament’s future, as organizers now race against time to secure new financial backing. The current valuation of the healthcare company is $886 million as of 2025, which makes this quite a huge setback for the Tour.

GRAIL initially signed an eight-year deal to sponsor the Galleri Classic, but its contract included an opt-out clause. After just three years, the company activated that clause, stepping away from the event despite its successful run.

Though GRAIL has not publicly detailed the reasoning behind its decision, it acknowledged the impact of its sponsorship. Bob Ragusa, the chief executive officer of GRAIL, in an earlier statement said, “The Galleri Classic also provided an important platform to educate and inspire players, fans, and residents of this community about the importance of early cancer detection, while supporting six local organizations that do important work for cancer patients and their families. We look forward to seeing the Champions Tour return to this community for many years to come.” Since going public on the NASDAQ last June, GRAIL has been refining its business strategy, and this move could be part of broader corporate adjustments.

For the Galleri Classic, though, this is a nightmare scenario. The PGA Tour Champions doesn’t have the same deep pockets as the main PGA Tour. Losing a title sponsor means losing the financial backing that keeps the tournament running. And unlike other events that can survive on reserves, this one doesn’t have a safety net. If organizers don’t find a new sponsor soon, the 2026 tournament could be off the calendar.

Tournament organizers are now in urgent talks to find a new backer before July 1.  “We are very hopeful,” said tournament director Michelle DeLancy. “The tour, the players, and the current sponsors that we have really would love to see us be able to continue in the area.”

The PGA Tour and sports agency Wasserman are leading the search, reaching out to potential sponsors beyond the Coachella Valley. Players themselves are also involved in discussions, leveraging their industry connections to help secure a deal.

Golf legends who have played in the event remain optimistic about its continuation. “We’re lucky to be here, and I’m hoping we can continue,” said longtime desert resident and PGA Tour Champions player Fred Couples. “I don’t know what I’m hearing, but I’m hoping we can continue to play here a few more years.”

Still, that optimism is clouded by a broader, more troubling trend—one that extends far beyond the fairways of the Mission Hills Country Club.

Why is the PGA Tour losing sponsors?

With Shriners, Wells Fargo, and Sanderson Farms already gone, the PGA Tour faces an uphill battle in keeping its remaining sponsors happy. One of the sponsors, Royal Bank of Canada’s executive vice president Mary DePaoli, has urged the Tour to “figure it out” earlier. This signals the frustrations from long-term partners.

The PGA Tour’s financial model is under immense pressure, largely due to the rise of LIV Golf. Backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s estimated $700 billion war chest, LIV has disrupted professional golf, offering lucrative contracts that the PGA Tour has struggled to match. In response, Commissioner Jay Monahan introduced “Signature Events” in 2022, featuring boosted purses and bonuses to keep top players engaged. But this strategy has come at a cost—literally. Sponsors are being asked to contribute more, and many are unwilling to meet the rising demands.

According to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, this financial strain has left sponsors hesitant. And it’s not just about the money. The PGA Tour has also suffered a decline in viewership, thanks in part to the defection of stars like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka to LIV Golf. Even Rory McIlroy acknowledged the issue last year, stating, “If you look at the TV ratings of the PGA Tour this year, they’re down 20 percent across the board. That’s a fifth, that’s big.” Additionally, apart from players defected LIV, viewership is also being affected when prominent “PGA Tour names” like Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler do not participate, for instance the AT&t Pebble Beach Pro Am event saw an increase in viewrship as compared to previous 2025 events as both Mcllroy and Scheffler participated, with the former even taking home the title.

For now, the PGA Tour has managed to secure new sponsors for some events, such as Procore Technologies replacing Fortinet in the Fall Series. But the bigger question remains—can the Tour sustain its financial structure with so many high-profile exits?

Only time will tell. But with more sponsors weighing their options, the PGA Tour’s sponsorship landscape is looking increasingly fragile.

What do you think of these departures? Let us know in the comments below!