As allergy season intensifies, golfers often face heightened pollen levels that can significantly impact their game.
A common choice for many, including the recent Arnold Palmer Invitational champion, is Zyrtec for daily allergy relief before hitting the course.
Akshay Bhatia, a three-time PGA Tour winner, shared his personal experience: “My severe allergy symptoms frequently emerge during critical periods of my career. For years, Zyrtec has been essential to my routine, ensuring that even in high-allergen environments, my performance on the course remains unaffected.”
Bhatia, alongside emerging talent Neal Shipley, serves as a player ambassador for Zyrtec. The brand’s parent company, Kenvue, recently formalized a multi-year partnership, establishing Zyrtec as the PGA Tour’s inaugural Official Allergy Relief Sponsor.
Jenn Lovell, Kenvue’s Commercial Head for US Allergy, emphasized the importance of authentic connections, noting, “Their genuine experience with allergies and existing use of Zyrtec were key factors for us.”
With seasonal allergies impacting a quarter of adults, Zyrtec, a leading doctor-recommended over-the-counter oral allergy medication, has launched its “Yes Season” campaign through this partnership. The initiative aims to counter the tendency for allergies to disrupt plans and prevent people from enjoying their favorite activities.
Lovell highlighted the particular challenge golf presents: “Millions suffer from spring allergies, and in golf, where players spend hours exposed to grass and pollen, symptoms can be particularly severe, affecting even top athletes like Akshay. We’re aware that 85% of PGA Tour players experience allergies, and Zyrtec offers a clear advantage in such high-pollen settings, a benefit many consumers already recognize.”
During the Tour’s Florida events at Bay Hill and TPC Sawgrass, Zyrtec actively engaged fans with on-site experiences. Popular attractions included the “Pollen PuttPutt” and “The Relief Club,” which provided complimentary items like product samples, custom-monogrammed golf towels, and refreshments, alongside educational information about Zyrtec.
Lovell explained the strategic fit: “Golf, a sport demanding extreme precision, is a natural environment for us. Even minor distractions, like an itchy eye during a critical putt or a sneeze mid-swing, can severely impair performance. For golfers, allergy relief isn’t merely about comfort; it’s a competitive imperative.”
Zyrtec plans further appearances at three additional events in 2026: the RBC Heritage in April, the Truist Championship the following month, and the Tour Championship later in the summer.
Dan Glod, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration: “We are delighted to welcome Zyrtec as the Official Allergy Relief Sponsor for both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. This partnership allows us to offer on-site relief to our players and fans as the golf season transitions into spring, a time when allergy symptoms often peak.”
