RPT-FEATURE-Golf-Sport can ride out financial storm, PGA says

(Repeats feature first moved at 0105 GMT)

By Steve Keating

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Golf's special bond with the corporate world and wide fan base put it in a strong position to ride out the current financial crisis, say the sport's leaders in the United States.

"Long term, sports is going to be a leading area for companies to invest their sponsorship or advertising dollars because people want to experience a sports event as it happens," PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka told Reuters.

"You look at golf, not just because we have a great fan base plus a 28-million-person participation base, we also have people who have a stronger emotional connection.

"I think golf will be one of the best genres in entertainment, golf will do better also because of the ageing of the boomers and the major championships are the best of the best of the best."

Golf's importance to sponsors and advertisers was well demonstrated at last weekend's Ryder Cup.

Vast swathes of the finely manicured grounds at Valhalla Golf Club, the battleground chosen for the 37th biennial skirmish for golf supremacy between the U.S. and Europe, disappeared under luxury tents pitched by some 250 companies.

JP Morgan Chase Bank, UBS Financial Services, Caterpillar, Toyota and troubled financial giant Merrill Lynch were among those who paid the PGA of America between $250,000 and $1 million for the privilege of being present.