Amateur Golf Tournament Offers Unforgettable PGA TOUR Experience

MINNEAPOLIS--(EON:Enhanced Online News)--Amateur golfers from across America are invited to compete on some of the game’s most challenging courses to deliver an authentic PGA TOUR playing experience. The second annual “Nature Valley^® Amateur” will consist of 20 qualifying golf tournaments played throughout the summer at the PGA TOUR’s premier TPC courses. Winners will vie for the amateur title on October 25, 2008 at the home of THE PLAYERS Championship – TPC Sawgrass.

“We are very excited to once again partner with Nature Valley to provide amateur golfers this unique opportunity to compete on the outstanding facilities within our TPC Network in a PGA TOUR atmosphere”

Nature Valley Granola Bars – an official sponsor of the PGA TOUR – created the “Nature Valley Amateur” golf tournament to give golfers the chance to compete in an electric atmosphere inside the ropes with fast greens, high rough and challenging pin placements. Qualifying golf tournaments are scheduled from May to September.

“This is an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to experience the game like the TOUR pros,” says Tyson Andrus, Nature Valley marketing. “Due to our long-standing relationship with the PGA TOUR, we are excited to deliver an authentic playing experience at championship quality courses.”

All recreational golfers – men and women – with an established USGA handicap between 0 and 24 are eligible to compete in the qualifying golf tournaments. Winners from three flights at each course will advance to the championship event at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass – where the infamous island green at No. 17 awaits.

“We are very excited to once again partner with Nature Valley to provide amateur golfers this unique opportunity to compete on the outstanding facilities within our TPC Network in a PGA TOUR atmosphere,” said Rob Ohno, the PGA TOUR’s Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing.

2008 Nature Valley Amateur Regional Tournaments

May 20, 2008 TPC Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay, FL

June 2, 2008 TPC Jasna Polana – Princeton, NJ

June 9, 2008 TPC Eagle Trace – Coral Springs, FL

June 16, 2008 HRT Meadowbrook Farms – Katy, TX

June 23, 2008 TPC Piper Glen – Charlotte, NC

June 23, 2008 TPC Summerlin – Las Vegas, NV

June 30, 2008 TPC Twin Cities – Blaine, MN

July 7, 2008 TPC River’s Bend – Maineville, OH

July 14, 2008 TPC Craig Ranch – McKinney, TX

July 21, 2008 TPC Wakefield Plantation – Raleigh, NC

July 28, 2008 TPC Sugarloaf – Duluth, GA

August 4, 2008 TPC Boston – Boston, MA

August 11, 2008 TPC Prestancia – Sarasota, FL

August 22, 2008 TPC Myrtle Beach – Murrells Inlet, SC

August 25, 2008 TPC Michigan – Dearborn, MI

Sept. 8, 2008 TPC Southwind – Memphis, TN

Sept. 15, 2008 TPC Scottsdale – Scottsdale, AZ

Sept. 16, 2008 TPC Louisiana – Avondale, LA

Sept. 23, 2008 HRT Talega – San Clemente, CA

Sept. 23, 2008 TPC Deere Run – Silvis, IL

An Official Sponsor of the PGA TOUR

Nature Valley is committed to delivering an authentic experience to avid golfers. The “Nature Valley Amateur” is a rare opportunity for golfers who enjoy a healthy, active and outdoor lifestyle to compete like a pro in a PGA TOUR experience.

The “Nature Valley Amateur” is a natural extension of Nature Valley brand’s long established commitment to golf. Nature Valley has been the Official Natural Energy Bar of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour since 2000. As a result, Nature Valley has had a presence at more than 35 golf tournaments annually, distributing samples for fans and volunteers.

In addition, Nature Valley sponsors the PGA TOUR’s Caddy Hat Program, providing hats to every caddy without a hat sponsorship. The success of this partnership inspired Nature Valley to develop the “Nature Valley Amateur.”

About Nature Valley

Nature Valley® created the granola bar category in 1975 and brings great taste to active consumers looking for wholesome snacks. Nature Valley consists of five great-tasting granola bar lines: Crunchy Granola Bars, Chewy Trail Mix Bars, Yogurt Granola Bars, Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars and Healthy Heart Chewy Granola Bars. Nature Valley is also the Official Natural Energy Bar of the PGA TOUR, the United States Ski and Snowboarding Association, Nature Valley NASTAR, Association of Volleyball Professionals, Cross Country Ski Areas Association, Vail Resorts, Aspen Resorts, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday and the Warren Miller Film Tour. In addition, Nature Valley is a sponsor of the Student Conservation Association and the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

About the PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.

In 2008, the three Tours are competing in approximately 108 events for approximately $355 million in prize money. Tournaments are being held in nine countries outside the U.S. and in 37 states. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions. The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

About The TPC Network

Licensed by the PGA TOUR, the TPC Network is comprised of 17 premier private, resort and daily fee golf properties designed by some of golf’s most elite architects. Nine additional clubs are operated by affiliates of PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties, Inc. Each TPC has hosted or has been designed to host TOUR-sponsored golf tournaments.

Since the TPC Sawgrass first opened its world renowned PLAYERS Stadium Course in the fall of 1980, TPCs have provided the PGA TOUR with rent-free venues for tournaments, helping to boost championship golf purses and increasing charitable donations to grass roots non-profit organizations. At the same time, TPCs have provided recreational golfers with the unique opportunity to test their skills on the same layouts where the world’s best golfers compete.

Distinctive in character but consistent in quality, TPCs are known for their outstanding conditioning and amenities, as well as a commitment to environmental excellence. To date, all 17 TPCs are certified as Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Systems. The TPC Network is also distinguished by its unwavering commitment to further the PGA TOUR’s giving back mission through support of charitable and community-based programs. For more information, please visit www.tpc.com.

(a) Nature Valley® is a registered trademark of General Mills, Inc.

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