TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP EARNS AWARD

TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP HONORED FOR BEST TITLE SPONSOR INTEGRATION

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, November 19, 2009 – The Travelers Championship was honored by the PGA TOUR at the TOUR’s Tournament Advisory Council (TAC) Meetings this week. The Travelers Championship earned “Best Title Sponsor Integration” in 2009, awarded to the tournament that best melds the title sponsor’s product with that of the PGA TOUR.

In 2009, nearly 1,000 employees of The Travelers Companies, Inc., volunteered at the tournament, which generated over $1 million for local charities. The Travelers Championship staff worked hand-in-hand with Travelers to create a marketing plan that included such items as the Travelers Championship Challenge, a four-hole online golf game, and an interactive tournament visual display in Bradley International Airport. On site this year, the tournament and their title sponsor created an appreciation program for current and future customers awarding fans with gifts and free t-shirts customized to express what’s important to them.  Another new addition was The Umbrella at 15 1/2 – a 40’ floating green in the shape of Travelers’ iconic red umbrella logo on the pond between Nos. 15 and 16, complete with pin flag and cup and the guarantee of a $10,000 charity donation to any player who aced the hole during Tuesday’s practice round.

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I am thrilled to congratulate the Travelers Championship for the special recognition it has received for its efforts in the area of Title Sponsor Integration,” said Rick George, PGA TOUR executive vice-president and chief of operations. “Everyone associated with the Travelers Championship should be extremely proud of their hard work and for being recognized as the best among their peers on the TOUR.”

The 2010 Travelers Championship, captured this year by Kenny Perry, will be held June 21-27 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT.  The event’s primary charity proceeds benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and the Greater Hartford Jaycees.

“Being able to work with an integrated title sponsor, especially in our market, with so many employees was incredible,” said Travelers Championship Tournament Director, Nathan Grube. “It was an awesome opportunity to highlight their involvement and support for the charities. Without them, the tournament simply wouldn’t be here. Being able to integrate them and highlight their brand has been great.”