PGA Tour Agree 5-Year IHG Marketing Partnership

The PGA TOUR and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms have announced a deal to enter into a five-year integrated marketing partnership. Beginning in 2011 the agreement will make IHG an official partner of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour in the hotel and resort category.

In addition, Crowne Plaza^® Hotels & Resorts will extend its title sponsorship of the PGA TOUR’s Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial through until 2015.  Crowne Plaza has served as title sponsor of the historic event since 2007.

Jim Abrahamson, President, The Americas, IHG stated: “We are extremely pleased to announce this new long-term relationship with the PGA TOUR, which includes extending our sponsorship of the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. This partnership provides a terrific opportunity for IHG to showcase all its eight brands and bring to life our award winning loyalty program for fans as well as the PGA TOUR’s membership base of players from around the world.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem added: “We are delighted to extend our tournament sponsorship with Crowne Plaza and to expand our relationship with InterContinental Hotels Group. The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial is one of the most storied tournaments on the PGA TOUR, as well as one of the leading tournaments in terms of charitable giving, and Crowne Plaza’s sponsorship is important to continuing this legacy. Also, by welcoming IHG as an Official Marketing Partner, our players – as well as their families and caddies – will receive valuable benefits and room options throughout the year.”

As an Official Marketing Partner of the PGA TOUR, IHG will provide a variety of benefits to players, including:

• * A designated number of room nights for players across all three Tours
• * Platinum status in the Priority Club® Rewards program for all members
• * Preferred rates for all players, caddies, media partners and PGA TOUR staff across all of IHG’s brands
• * For several players who participate in a special program that includes personal appearances with IHG guests at tournaments and/or use of their name and likeness, additional benefits will include an increased number of complimentary room nights per year

IHG also will invest in PGA TOUR assets including media, special events, TPCs and charitable activities. PGATOUR.COM will feature a “hotel finder” on the tournament pages that will allow fans to easily book hotel rooms at one of IHG’s 4,500 properties when traveling to these events.