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News release

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The PGA TOUR and Castle Pines Tournament Co. jointly announced Thursday that the PGA TOUR tournament known as The INTERNATIONAL and staged at Castle Pines Golf Club since 1986, will not take place in 2007, marking the end of the 21-year event.

"It is with profound regret that we must announce the end of The INTERNATIONAL after 21 successful years," said Jack A. Vickers, founder and president of Castle Pines Golf Club. "We have always been committed to operating The INTERNATIONAL at the highest level as one of golf's premiere events. To go forward without certainty that those objectives can be achieved has caused us to withdraw from the PGA TOUR, rather than to compromise our high standards or assume financial risk on behalf of our membership."

"Our relationship with the PGA TOUR and its players has always been an enormously gratifying and enjoyable experience," said Vickers. "We sincerely appreciate the opportunity extended to us to be a part of the PGA TOUR for the past 21 years."

"On behalf of the PGA TOUR and all of our members, we are deeply grateful for everything Jack Vickers and everyone associated with The INTERNATIONAL and Castle Pines has accomplished over the past 21 years," said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR Commissioner. "The TOUR has had no greater friend over the past two decades than Jack Vickers."

"Jack and his team have always made us feel welcome at The INTERNATIONAL," said two-time champion Davis Love III. "The unique nature of the competition and the majestic setting always made that tournament a must-play week on the TOUR. We will miss our annual visit to Castle Pines, but we clearly understand the business reasons behind the decision to discontinue the event."

Started in 1986 with Ken Green as its inaugural champion, The INTERNATIONAL was the only PGA TOUR event that featured the unique Modified Stableford scoring system. During its 21-year history, 197 international players from 38 countries participated in the event. The popular and innovative PGA TOUR event has been won by some of the games biggest names in golf, including Greg Norman, Davis Love III (two-time winner), Jose Maria Olazabal, Phil Mickelson (two-time winner), Vijay Singh, David Toms, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.

Since its inception, The INTERNATIONAL CHARITIES, the non-profit arm of The INTERNATIONAL, and Castle Pines Golf Club have donated nearly $14 million to charities throughout Colorado and beyond. Although the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver, Inc. is the major beneficiary of The INTERNATIONAL Charities, contributions have also been made towards teaching and growing the game of golf, improving the lives of underprivileged children and the disabled and furthering education initiatives for children.