This episode is brought to you by the Savannah Economic Development Authority

Al Kennickell has lived in Savannah his whole life and made a name for himself through his business, but he isn't a slouch when it comes to sports. Outside of founding the Savannah Sports Council, Kennickell has been instrumental in establishing a number of still popular local events and bringing big names to the Hostess City. He now is using that superpower to help with the RBC Heritage over on Hilton Head, which is a big job for the only Georgian on their board. He sits down for this episode of Difference Makers to discuss golf in Savannah, why he decided to work with the Heritage board and what he makes of the current sports scene in Savannah.

Podcast listeners: Get digital SMN subscription by clicking here for a special offer

(9:23): Getting involved in the Savannah sports scene

(12:13): Origins of the Champions Tour coming to Savannah

• Champions Tour's Legends of Golf survives with new sponsor, new approach (Golf Digest, Feb. 25, 2014)
• Champions Tour golf tourney leaves Savannah (SMN, Nov. 11, 2013)

(17:46): What goes into running a successful golf tournament

(19:12): Kennickell joining the Heritage board

• Savannah's Al Kennickell achieves first as chairman of RBC Heritage golf tournament (SMN, Nov. 21, 2018)

(24:30): Opening events for the RBC Heritage, 50th anniversary lighthouse

• Cannon shot for RBC Heritage is Monday morning (SMN, April 9, 2017)
• Golf academy volunteers relish opportunity at RBC Heritage (SMN, April 12, 2018)
• Hilton Head Island's RBC Heritage about golf and giving to charities (SMN, Feb. 25, 2019)

(34:53): What do you make of the current state of Savannah sports?

• Web.com Tour bringing Savannah Golf Championship to The Landings (SMN, May 22, 2017)
• Editorial: Hockey Classic bucks Savannah sports trend (SMN, Jan. 21, 2019)
• Life University wins 3rd straight Savannah St. Patrick's Day Rugby Tournament (SMN, Mar. 10, 2019)

(39:36): Does a new arena change the landscape?

• Video: New Savannah arena design concept presented by city officials (SMN, March 1, 2019)

(41:33): Are less events better for Savannah?

• Savannah Bananas tickets on sale to the public on Monday (SMN, April 5, 2019)

Make sure to follow The Commute podcast for daily news briefs from Adam.