Perth, Western Australia; Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Australia’s greatest ever golfer Greg Norman is the first golfing superstar to commit to the 2009 JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC when the event tees off in Perth, Western Australia from February 19 to 22.

The participation of former world number one Norman, who two weeks ago rolled back the years at Royal Birkdale and almost secured an incredible third Open Championship title, is an indication that Asia Pacific's premier luxury golf tournament will once again feature a strong field of international stars.

“Historically the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC, one of Asia Pacific’s most established and popular golf events, has always boasted a high calibre line-up and the participation of Greg Norman is confirmation that we will maintain that tradition in 2009,” commented David Gates, Global Brand Director for JOHNNIE WALKER.

“Greg’s presence will give Australian golf fans the rare opportunity to watch their greatest ever golfer in action on home soil alongside a host of other international golfing giants that will be competing in the 18th staging of the event, first played in 1990 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.”

In spite of cutting back his playing schedule to accommodate his worldwide commitments to his course design and other business interests, Norman’s revival, at The Open two weeks ago, makes the 53-year-old an excellent example of the personal progress message of “Keep Walking” that lies at heart of the JOHNNIE WALKER brand. Against the odds, Norman dominated the leader board for most of The Open Championship and never gave up as he strived to secure the Claret Jug ahead of the world’s best golfers in conditions that were arguably the most demanding in the history of the Championship.

Over the years, Norman has enjoyed a sparkling career that has seen him win over 80 tournaments worldwide including two Open Championships in 1986 and 1993 and spend a total of 331 weeks at the top of the official world rankings. The charismatic golfer, known throughout the world as the ‘Great White Shark’ makes a welcome return to the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC which he won in 1994 at the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket. In becoming the fourth winner of the coveted JOHNNIE WALKER Striding Man trophy, the towering blond overcame a star-studded field that featured golfing greats such as Bernhard Langer of Germany, who had won his second US Masters the previous year; Zimbabwean Nick Price, who went on to win the Open Championship and the US PGA Championship that same year; American Fred Couples, who had won the inaugural Johnnie Walker World Championship; and Ian Woosnam of Wales, who had been victorious at the US Masters just three years before.

“I have always had a great time competing in JOHNNIE WALKER events and particularly look forward to attending some of the spectacular off-course parties that the tournament is well known for,” said Norman, who has supported the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC on a number of occasions over the years plus participating in previous Johnnie Walker events, the JOHNNIE WALKER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and the JOHNNIE WALKER SUPERTOUR.

“It will also be a great treat to be competing back on home soil in Australia, especially in Perth which offers great weather, a fantastic championship course at The Vines and a wonderful backdrop for a tournament as prestigious as the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC.”

Western Australian Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the 2009 JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC would attract more media attention than usual with Australia’s most triumphant golfer headlining the event.

“This is why we love to invest in and host prestigious events like the Johnnie Walker Classic – it attracts the world’s best and puts Perth on the international golfing map,” Minister McHale said.
“Hosting the tournament is fantastic for all Australian golfing fans – not only can they see their golfing idols in action but they can later play on the same championship course.”

Norman can expect tough competition from a host of top international players as the tournament’s unique status of being tri-sanctioned by the European, Asian and Australasian Tours means that the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC always attracts a stellar field.

Over the past 18 years the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC has been played in eight different countries and 13 different golf clubs around the Asia Pacific region including China in 2005 and this year, for the first time, India, reflecting the brand’s “KEEP WALKING” philosophy.

It will be the fourth visit to Perth, Western Australia for the JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC and the fifth time the event has been staged in Australia following its Antipodean debut back in 1997 at the Hope Island Golf Club.

The JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC, presented by the world's number-one selling Scotch whisky, is owned by DIAGEO, the world's leading premium drinks business, and managed as it has been since the very first event, by IMG, the world's premier sports, lifestyle management and marketing company.