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MARANA, Ariz. -- The World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, which took place at The Gallery Golf Club at Dove Mountain in Tucson, Feb. 19-25, 2007, raised approximately $1.5 million for youth charities in Arizona, as announced today by tournament officials during a press conference attended by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.

The funds raised during the event are designated for The Tucson Conquistadores youth charities, including The First Tee of Tucson. With approximately 500 local youth participants, The First Tee of Tucson is a non-profit organization that strives to promote sportsmanship, character development and life enhancing values to youth of all backgrounds, ages 6-17. Today's announcement was held at Trini Alvarez El Rio Municipal Golf Course in Tucson, Ariz., the future site of The First Tee of Tucson Clubhouse and Learning Center.

In addition to The First Tee of Tucson, more than 150 charities will benefit from funds raised during the event, including Special Olympics Pima County and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, Sierra Vista and Santa Cruz County.

"We predicted that this event would be a great fit in this community, and we were absolutely correct," said Mike Garten, executive director of the Accenture Match Play Championship. "We know that this event will only continue to grow and improve, and we are already looking forward to 2008."

"Accenture is pleased that such a sizable charitable contribution will be made to deserving charities in the Tucson area from the revenues generated by the Accenture Match Play Championship," said Tina Naugle, Accenture's Managing Director -- Arizona Government Practice. "We are proud to play an active role in improving Arizona's communities and look forward to the 2008 event with great anticipation."

"We are thrilled with the outcome of the Accenture Match Play Championship," said Judy McDermott, executive director of The Tucson Conquistadores and executive director of The First Tee of Tucson. "We had high hopes for what an event of this measure could produce as far as fundraising dollars, and we could not possibly have been more pleased with the result."

The Accenture Match Play Championship, which brings together the world's top 64 golfers in a unique head-to-head match-play competition, was held in Arizona for the first time this February. Henrik Stenson captured his first PGA TOUR win by defeating defending champion Geoff Ogilvy 2 & 1 during the 36-hole final round. Stenson collected the $1.35 million first-place prize and the Walter Hagen Trophy.

For more information about the Accenture Match Play Championship, please visit www.worldgolfchampionships.com.