The PGA Tour has been handed a boost by Zurich Financial, which has extended its title sponsorship of the New Orleans tournament for four more years.

The Zurich Classic is run by not-for-profit group The Fore!Kids Foundation. It has raised more than US$6 million for children's charities in Louisiana since Zurich took over title sponsorship in 2005.

"Zurich remains committed to the children in the area who benefit through our partnership with the PGA Tour and the Fore!Kids Foundation and to the city and the people of New Orleans," said Zurich chief executive James J. Schiro. The Swiss-based company is the seventh PGA sponsor to sign a deal running until 2014, giving welcome security to the events.

The tournament is believed to bring an economic boost of US$30 million to the area each year. It carries a winning purse of US$6.3 million, one of the largest on the Tour.

"Through Jim's leadership, Zurich has been very active in its support of New Orleans throughout its hurricane recovery, which includes utilizing the Zurich Classic as a platform to showcase the city and business opportunities it presents," said PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem.