Johnnie Walker Challenges US Open Golfers to Break Record on Father’s Day for Charity
Tell-a-FriendJohnnie Walker Challenges US Open Golfers to Break Record on Father’s Day for Charity
Besting Record US Open Score of 272 Will Net Winner a $27,200 Donation to Charity in Their Father’s Name
FARMINGDALE, N.Y., June 16 - There’s always a lot at stake when the world’s best professional golfers step to the tee for the final round of the US Open on Father’s Day. But now, the Johnnie Walker Collection has put one more prize on the table in honor of fathers everywhere and US Open record-holder Jim Furyk who shares the tournament’s record low net score of 272.
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If the winning golfer sets a new all-time record for lowest 72-hole total, the Johnnie Walker Collection, a Furyk sponsor since 2007, will make a donation of $27,200 (100 times the current record) to the charity of their choice in their father’s name.
“My father has been one of the most important people in my life, both professionally and personally, so it’s always a joy to spend Father’s Day with him on the golf course competing in one of the biggest tournaments in the world,” admitted Furyk. “This course proved in 2002 that it will present a true challenge to golfers looking to set the low mark.”
The Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York, last hosted the US Open in 2002, when Tiger Woods’ score of (-3) 277 was the only score under par. To earn the charitable contribution, a golfer will need to tally a four-day score of 271, (-9) or less on the challenging course. If two golfers break the record and are forced into a playoff, the Johnnie Walker Collection will split the donation between each of the players’ charities.
Furyk, one of the most successful players in golf and a 13-time winner on the PGA Tour, currently ranks 4th on the Career Earnings list and 13th on the Official World Golf Rankings. His biggest win to date was the 2003 US Open when he joined Tiger Woods (2000), Lee Janzen (1998) and Jack Nicklaus (1980) as record holders for the lowest total 72-hole score in US Open history. In June of 2007, Furyk and the Johnnie Walker Collection announced a three-year sponsorship agreement, and together launched the Safe Drive Campaign, a national program to raise awareness of road safety. “When celebrating with friends and family this Father’s Day, remember to drink responsibly and designate a driver or take a taxi,” adds Furyk.
Golf and Scotch whisky are arguably two of Scotland’s greatest gifts to the world, and Johnnie Walker—the world’s leading Scotch whisky brand—has been linked with the sport since the mid-19th Century. Most notable associations include Asia Pacific’s premier golf event, the Johnnie Walker Classic and the Johnnie Walker Championship in Gleneagles Scotland.
About Johnnie Walker(R):
Johnnie Walker(R) is the world’s leading Scotch whisky brand. Its portfolio features five award-winning whiskies—Red Label(R), Black Label(R), Green Label(R), Gold Label(R), and Blue Label(R)—imported and distributed in the United States by Diageo North America. At the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Anniversary Pack, created to honor the 200th birthday of founder and original blender John Walker, was named “Best Blended Scotch,” and Green Label was named “Best Blended Malt Scotch.” More than 4 bottles of Johnnie Walker are consumed every second, and more than 120 million bottles are sold every year in more than 200 countries. The product line covers a broad range of occasions for the whisky drinker from every day to special moments. The five premium brands represent a range of prices and tastes that share a remarkable 180-year history and a commitment to quality. Additional information about Johnnie Walker may be found at http://www.johnniewalker.com.
About Diageo:
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
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