Ponte Vedra Beach, FL ? The PGA TOUR and Allianz Life (the U.S. life subsidiary of the Allianz Group), a leading provider of annuities, life and health coverage, have announced a two-year agreement whereby Allianz becomes the presenting sponsor of the West Coast Swing beginning in 2005.

The West Coast Swing presented by Allianz encompasses the first nine tournaments of the season and offers a $1 million bonus pool that is divided among the top three West Coast performers, as determined by a points system. The winner receives $500,000 while the runner-up receives
$300,000 and the third-place finisher $200,000.

Points are awarded for top-10 finishes in the nine tournaments, with 100 points for a victory down to 10 points for a 10th-place finish. Phil Mickelson, the winner of the inaugural competition in 1998, also won this year’s title. Other winners have been Mike Weir (2003), Chris DiMarco (2002), Davis Love III (2001) and Tiger Woods (2000 and 1999).

‘This West Coast Swing competition has become an important element of our early schedule, lending an extra level of interest and excitement for our players and fans,’ said Tom Wade, Chief Marketing Officer for the PGA TOUR. ‘We are extremely pleased to announce Allianz Life’s sponsorship of this program and we look forward to the program’s continued success with Allianz Life’s involvement.’

‘The sponsorship of the PGA TOUR’s West Coast Swing is a great fit for Allianz Life and our efforts to extend the Allianz brand to a large and targeted audience of potential customers,’ said Mark Zesbaugh, Allianz Life
President and CEO. ‘We could not be more pleased with our long-standing partnership with the PGA TOUR. This sponsorship is a complement to our existing sponsorships of some great TOUR professionals and our Champions
Tour event, the Allianz Championship.’

Allianz Life has been the title sponsor of the Champions Tour’s tournament in Des Moines, IA, since its inception in 2001, and also has endorsement deals with several PGA TOUR and Champions Tour players.

Contact: Chris Smith
904-273-3379
Jody Hilgers
763-765-6046