Las Vegas, Nevada (October 16, 2011)–Ryan Moore became a true Las Vegas golfer when he won the 2004 U.S. Amateur and NCAA championship while playing for UNLV. He solidified it when he lived in the Southern Highlands community for a couple years after turning pro. After a brief stint in Arizona, Moore returned to Las Vegas (in addition to his home in his native state of Washington). A few weeks ago, Moore officially inked a sponsorship deal with Shift4, a Las Vegas company. –By Brian Hurlburt.
Shift4 Corporation, the world's largest independent payment gateway, officially announced the sponsorship in late September, just prior to the playing of Las Vegas' PGA Tour event, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Ryan Moore, a 5-year TOUR veteran, made headlines in the past when he elected to play "sponsor-free" golf. The decision to partner with Shift4 came after in-person meetings and careful consideration.
"We're glad that the reputation of our company and our family is such that Ryan feels he can promote Shift4 without reservation," said Shift4 founder and CEO Dave Oder. "He's a talented young man with a proven track record, ever-increasing skill set, and great potential for the future. We welcome him to the Shift4 family and look forward to watching his success in the years to come." Moore and Shift4 are both based out of Las Vegas and family managed — similarities that held significance for both parties.
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"I don't take the business of sponsorships lightly," said Moore. "There needs to be a level of comfort for the sponsor and for me. Luckily, I was able to find that with Shift4 and the Oder family. I look forward to a long and successful relationship with them."
Shift4 Director of Marketing Gianna Vivo said, "We are unique in our industry because we pride ourselves on being merchant advocates and the only major payment gateway not owned by a bank or processor. Ryan's reputation for independence and originality is a natural alignment for us."Per the sponsorship agreement, which was facilitated by Icon Sports Management, Shift4's logo will appear on Ryan's left chest, and he will make appearances at Shift4 events throughout the year.