NEW YORK -- American Express announced Thursday it has extended its agreement with the International Federation of PGA Tours and will remain an umbrella sponsor of the World Golf Championships, which includes the American Express Championship.

American Express has been an umbrella sponsor of the World Golf Championships since 1999. The tournaments are an outstanding fit with American Express’ global sponsorship strategy to extend brand awareness and provide special services and benefits to cardmembers and prospective customers around the world.

Over the course of its sponsorship, American Express has been able to offer special access to tickets and on-site benefits and services for cardmembers including: golf exhibitions hosted by Tiger Woods, on-site hospitality area with interactive practice putting greens and other activities, concierge and travel services site for tournament information, restaurant reservations assistance, sightseeing arrangements and other customer service assistance. Moving forward, American Express will continue to work with the World Golf Championships to create unique experiences and opportunities for cardmembers at all World Golf Championships events.

"Golf is one of the most popular sports for our cardmembers," said John Hayes, executive vice president, Global Advertising and Brand Management at American Express. "Through our sponsorship of the World Golf Championships, we can bring the excitement of golf and the American Express customer service experience to life for our cardmembers and tournament attendees around the world."

"On behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, I would like to say how excited we are that American Express has extended their agreement," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "As one of the four umbrella sponsors of the World Golf Championships, American Express has contributed greatly in the continuing globalization of the game."

The American Express Championship is the centerpiece of American Express’ sponsorship agreement with the World Golf Championships. It is one of four premier tournaments that comprise the World Golf Championships. The World Golf Championships are organized by the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian PGA, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australia and Southern Africa Tour. The Canadian Tour is an Associate Member of the Federation. Similar to American Express, the World Golf Championships also have a strong global presence and are broadcast in more than 140 countries.

The American Express Championship will be the third of four World Golf Championships events held in 2002. The 2002 schedule includes: The Accenture Match Play Championship, which took place at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., in February, the NEC Invitational, Sahalee Country Club, Sammamish, Wash., from Aug. 20-25, the American Express Championship, Mt. Juliet, Thomastown, County Kilkenney, Ireland from Sept. 17-22 and the final World Golf Championships event of 2002, the EMC World Cup, the Nicklaus Course at Vista Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Dec. 10-15.

The World Golf Championships were developed to enhance the competitive structure of professional golf worldwide while preserving the traditions and strengths of the individual Tours and their events. Fields in the World Golf Championships are filled primarily through the Official World Golf Ranking, which is endorsed by all the sport's major professional organizations and governing bodies.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.