PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem today announced that UBS, one of the world's leading financial firms, has signed a long-term agreement to become an exclusive partner of THE PLAYERS Championship. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

UBS joins PricewaterhouseCoopers as the only two exclusive partners at THE PLAYERS Championship. The 2005 championship will be contested March 21-27 at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

"We are delighted that such a prestigious global financial firm has aligned itself with THE PLAYERS Championship," said Finchem. "THE PLAYERS has the strongest field in golf from top to bottom, a superb and demanding golf course, and a history of proven champions. It is widely recognized by our players as one of the most significant championships in golf."

"The partnerships with UBS and PricewaterhouseCoopers further enhance the stature of THE PLAYERS and will help the tournament to continue to provide significant annual contributions to worthy charities," added Finchem.

The 2004 PLAYERS Championship and the PGA TOUR made joint contributions totaling $2.25 million to Northeast Florida charities. Since 1977, when THE PLAYERS Championship moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, nearly $20 million has been contributed to charitable organizations in Northeast Florida.

"UBS is very pleased to be associated with THE PLAYERS Championship. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with the PGA TOUR in conjunction with one of its signature competitions," said John Costas, Chairman and CEO of UBS Investment Bank.

While Mark Sutton, Chairman and CEO, WM-USA added "Not only is this one of the premier events of the TOUR, but the charitable aspects mirror our firm's commitment to the communities in which we serve. It also reinforces our branding of "You & Us" as being all about partnership."

As a "Proud Partner of THE PLAYERS Championship," UBS will have an exclusive association with one of the PGA TOUR's most prominent championships. The relationship will provide UBS with an integrated marketing platform that includes a premier position within the championship broadcast on ESPN and NBC; unparalleled hospitality venues; and other related tournament benefits.

ABOUT THE PLAYERS Championship

Since its inception in 1974, THE PLAYERS Championship has continued to grow in stature with each passing year. The championship is widely recognized as one of the crown jewels on the PGA TOUR schedule, with the strongest field in golf competing at a world-class venue, the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass.

The list of champions for THE PLAYERS Championship includes many of the greatest players of the past 30 years. From Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, it takes a true champion to conquer the strongest field in golf on the famed Stadium Course. Other players to win include Hal Sutton, Fred Couples, Tom Kite, Steve Elkington, Lee Janzen, Davis Love III, Greg Norman, Nick Price, Justin Leonard and David Duval.

Last year, Adam Scott calmly made a 10-foot bogey putt on the final hole to secure a one-stroke victory over Padraig Harrington. The 23-year old Scott became the youngest player to claim THE PLAYERS Championship crown. He became the third Australian to win, following victories by Steve Elkington (1991, 1997) and Greg Norman (1994).

Zurich / Ponte Vedra Beach, 12 January 2005
UBS
THE PLAYERS Championship