Franklin Templeton returns as Shootout’s sponsor

Greg Norman (file photo)

Franklin Templeton, a long-time partner of the PGA Tour’s Shootout tournament, is reprising its role as title sponsor of the event.

The San Mateo, Calif.-based investment management company announced Aug. 18 that it will resume its place on the sponsorship marquee for 2011 and 2012.

Franklin Templeton, which has been a corporate partner since the event’s inception more than two decades ago, previously served as title sponsor from 1992 through 2005.

This year’s event is scheduled for Dec. 7-11 at Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Fla.

The post-season event hosted by Greg Norman pairs 24 professionals into 12, two-man teams. The Franklin Templeton Shootout features a modified alternate-shot format during the first round, a better ball Saturday and a final-round scramble. Golf Channel is scheduled to broadcast Friday’s play with NBC expected to handle weekend coverage.