JOHNNIE WALKER TO SPONSOR
SCOTTISH AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Johnnie Walker Black Label are to sponsor the Scottish Amateur Golf Championship and the Scottish Golf Union Order of Merit in an extension to their worldwide involvement in golf at every level of the sport.

Since first being played in 1922 the Scottish Amateur has only had one sponsor, J&B RARE, who started supporting the event in 1984. Now with the continued backing of the United Distillers and Vintners brand stablemate, Johnnie Walker Black Label, the Championship will go forward into the next millennium sponsored by one of Scotland's premier whiskies.

Speaking of their agreement with the Scottish Golf Union, UDV Communications Manager, Alicia Telow said: "There has always been a common bond between Johnnie Walker and golf which stared with the sons and grandsons of John Walker, the founder of the brand who lived within yards of the Royal Troon Golf Club, their home club."

"It was the Walkers' enthusiasm and love of the game which formed the enduring partnership between Johnnie Walker and golf and ultimately to today's announcement of the Johnnie Walker Scottish Amateur Golf Championship. We are delighted to be offered the chance to sponsor both the Scottish Amateur and Order of Merit which dovetails perfectly with our philosophy of "success through endeavour" at all levels of the sport."

Today the popularity of golf has spread around the world and the Johnnie Walker golf sponsorship programme stretches to over 100 countries at every level from amateur to professional, from their long running "Hole in One" Award to the Ryder Cup and not to Scotland's National Championship.

Hamish Grey, Secretary of the Scottish Golf Union stated: "We have had 15 years of successful sponsorship of the Scottish Amateur and now look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Johnnie Walker for many years to come. Scotland and Johnnie Walker are names synonymous with golf and I am certain that the profile of both will benefit from today's announcement."

The Johnnie Walker Scottish Amateur Golf Championship visits Cruden Bay Golf Club for the first time since its inception in 1922. Cruden Bay Golf Club, venue for the 1997 British Ladies Amateur, will undoubtedly supplement the many excellent courses that have played host over the years. Scotland's leading amateurs will descend upon the North East links from 26th to 31st July 1999 to challenge Drumpellier's Graham Rankin in his defence of the title.

Following the recent West of Scotland Open played over Largs Kelburn Golf Club, Rankin continues to top the Johnnie Walker Scottish Golf Union Order of Merit. Meanwhile Cowal's Lorne Kelly, who successfully defended his title at the West Coast club is in close pursuit. Kelly equalled the course record of 64 in his third round and is now just 21 points behind his Walker Cup training squad compatriot.

Both players are in action for Scotland against Sweden at Ludin Links this week. However, the battle to win the title of the Johnnie Walker Scottish Golfer of the Year will recommence at the St Andrews Links Trophy to be played over the Old and Jubilee Courses on the 22nd and 23rd May.