The INTERNATIONAL

July 7, 2005

Els to Play in 20th INTERNATIONAL

 CASTLE ROCK, CO --- South African Ernie Els will be among the participants in the 20th anniversary presentation of The INTERNATIONAL at Castle Pines Golf Club, it was announced today.
 "We take great pride in announcing Ernie's return to Castle Pines," said Executive Director Larry O. Thiel.  "As most people know, The INTERNATIONAL was the first PGA TOUR event that Ernie ever played.  Like golf fans across the state, we look forward to Ernie's return every year," he added.  
 Els, a three-time major winner, made his INTERNATIONAL debut in 1991 after receiving a sponsor's exemption and hasn't missed a year since.  He earned just $2,647 and failed to make the field on Sunday in his first visit to Castle Pines.  Today, he is the leading money winner and point winner at The INTERNATIONAL, having earned a total of 344 points and $1,667,239 in his 14 visits.  In 2000, he was the Tournament champion. 
 Els is currently 19th on the PGA TOUR money list, having won $1,588,635 so far.  His best finish in 2005 came at the Sony Open in Hawaii where he finished T2.
 Other prominent participants who were announced by Thiel today include Stephen Ames, Jonathan Byrd, Stewart Cink, Mark Hensby, Joe Ogilivie, Geoff Ogilvy and Duffy Waldorf.  
 To purchase tickets to The INTERNATIONAL, call 888-755-1986, or visit www.golfintl.com. 
 
 
Media inquiries should be directed to Jonna Busack at 303-814-6287 or via e-mail at jbusack@golfintl.com.  Presenting Sponsors of The INTERNATIONAL are First Data, Great-West Healthcare, StorageTek, ADT Security Services, and Ciber.  Coors is a   Contributing Sponsor.