Citigroup named Official Partner of the 2010 Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup Europe today announced a new two year agreement with Citi that welcomes the world s largest financial services organisation as an Official Partner of The Ryder Cup.

The New York-based company, which employs over 350,000 people worldwide, will be an Official Partner of the European Ryder Cup Team for this year s contest with the United States at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from September 19-21 and an Official Partner for The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales.

"The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports and we feel privileged to forge this relationship with the Ryder Cup Europe," said Mark Ingall, Managing Director of Global Strategic Media and Global marketing for Citi. This will further enhance our existing sponsorship of the Ryder Cup Captains in 2008 and solidify the coaching and mentoring principles that also resonate within our own Citi brand."

Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup Director, added, We are delighted to welcome Citi to the family of Ryder Cup Partners. It supports The Ryder Cup objective of working with global brands to enhance the status of the event while, at the same time, developing strategic international relationships with leaders in key markets and product sectors.

Citi s commitment to golf seamlessly aligns the company with several of the sport s signature events, legendary players and rising stars. The sponsorships are part of Citi's new multifaceted, strategic marketing partnerships in the world of golf and now include:

* 2010 Ryder Cup

* 2008 European Ryder Cup Team

* 2008 Ryder Cup Captains Nick Faldo & Paul Azinger

* PGA TOUR Player Mentor Programme for up-and-coming players

* LPGA star Lorena Ochoa

* The Tavistock Cup

The PGA TOUR Player Golf Mentor Program presented by Citi selects four recent graduates of the PGA TOUR s qualifying school and along with Paul Azinger serving as captain , helps guide them through their upcoming season on tour. This year s inaugural team includes: Parker McLachlin, Jin Park, David Lutterus and Todd Demsey.

The Tavistock Cup is an annual team competition between the touring golf professional members of Isleworth Golf and Country Club and Lake Nona Golf and Country Club; a competition which, this year, featured a host of European Tour Members as well as the world s top player, Tiger Woods.