Jerry Rice Tees It Up With Stonebrae Classic

NFL Legend’s 127 Foundation Becomes Nationwide Tour Event’s ‘Primary Receiver’

HAYWARD, Calif., Sept. 29, 2009 – The PGA TOUR’s Nationwide Tour and the Stonebrae Classic have announced that NFL legend Jerry Rice will serve as tournament host and that the Jerry Rice 127 Foundation has been named as the “primary receiver” of the charitable proceeds generated by the annual event at TPC San Francisco Bay at Stonebrae. An accomplished golfer, Rice also will receive a sponsor’s exemption to compete against the pros.

“I have a tremendous respect for professional golfers and an appreciation of the Nationwide Tour, because of the way it provides aspiring golfers a chance to pursue their careers,” said Rice, the former 49ers and Raiders great who came out of a small college in Mississippi to become recognized as the NFL’s all-time top wide receiver. “Also, I am excited for the opportunity to play in the tournament and experience that level of competition.”

The Stonebrae Classic is scheduled for April 12-18, 2010 at TPC San Francisco Bay at Stonebrae, located atop the rugged East Bay hillside overlooking San Francisco Bay. The field of 144 plays 72 holes of stroke play and all four rounds are to be televised live by Golf Channel.

Now 46, Rice is one of the greatest performers in Bay Area sports history. His 20 seasons in the NFL were spent mostly on both sides of the bay, with San Francisco (1985-2000) and Oakland (2001-2004). Rice set seven NFL career receiving records and dozens of other records, including many for the Super Bowl. He holds the NFL records for most TD receptions (197) and total TDs (208), and his 22,895 receiving yards is nearly 8,000 more than the next closest player (former Raider Tim Brown).

Formed in 2005, the Jerry Rice “127” Foundation is designed to support various children’s organizations. The relationship with the Stonebrae Classic allows Rice to re-launch his Foundation, setting new goals and expanding its outreach. A champion of numerous organizations, Rice has become a national spokesman for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, relating his use and support of chiropractors.

Still a hugely popular figure in the football world, Rice gained even more national attention after he retired, when in 2006 he competed on “Dancing With The Stars” and reached the finals of the reality TV competition.

“We are honored to form this partnership with Jerry Rice and the 127 Foundation,” said Jody Brothers, Tournament General Manager. “Golf fans throughout the Bay Area will have the unique opportunity to see Jerry up close during the special festivities we have planned for the week. He has proved to be the best at everything he does, so there is no reason to think he won’t make the Stonebrae Classic the best tournament on the Nationwide Tour.”

Eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2010, Rice’s work ethic was unparalleled on the football field – and he has channeled his competitive desire into his golf game. Rice has participated in numerous celebrity tour events, finishing 10th in his summer’s Celebrity Championship in Lake Tahoe, earning $10,000 in prize money.

“The Jerry Rice 127 Foundation is a terrific addition to the Stonebrae Classic and the Nationwide Tour family,” said Nationwide Tour president Bill Calfee. “It is exciting to have one of the premiere sports legends in the United States partnering with the Stonebrae Classic and providing his Hall of Fame level of encouragement to our players as they seek to transition to the PGA TOUR.”

Proceeds from the Stonebrae Classic also will benefit charities throughout the East Bay, particularly those who participate in selling tickets through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY™ program. The Stonebrae Classic also is part of the PGA TOUR’s Birdies for the Brave military outreach program.

For more information about the Stonebrae Classic, call (510) 728-7878, or visit www.stonebraeclassic.com

About The TPC San Francisco Bay at Stonebrae

Etched into the rugged hillside high above San Francisco’s East Bay lays a remarkable golf oasis boasting an array of comfortable amenities and the exceptional service and privileges that have become synonymous with the PGA TOUR’s acclaimed TPC Network of premier clubs. Named by Travel + Leisure Golf “One of the Best New Golf Courses for 2007,” TPC San Francisco Bay was designed by world renowned Scottish golf course architect David McLay Kidd along Walpert Ridge, more than 1,500 feet above the bay. Plans are underway for the construction of an expansive Craftsman-style clubhouse that will serve as a focal point for dining, hospitality and relaxation. Current facilities include a casual grill, with both formal and casual dining planned for the new clubhouse. The PGA TOUR’s TPC Network of clubs is comprised of 28 premier private and resort golf properties, designed to host TOUR-sponsored tournaments. TPCs are known for outstanding conditioning and amenities, as well as a commitment to environmental excellence. TPC San Francisco Bay, 222 Country Club Drive, Hayward, CA 94542. Call (510) 728-7878.

About The Nationwide Tour

Founded (1990), owned and operated by the PGA TOUR, the Nationwide Tour identifies those players who are ready to compete and win on golf's biggest stage. As the “official proving ground” of the PGA TOUR, two out of three PGA TOUR members are Nationwide Tour alumni. As of Sept. 21st, Tour alumni have won 256 PGA TOUR titles, including 13 majors and three PLAYERS Championships. Twenty-five PGA TOUR cards and total prize money of $18.5 million will be at stake over the course of 29 events in 2009. Recognizing the Tour’s growing stature, Nationwide Insurance has renewed its umbrella sponsorship of the Nationwide Tour through 2012. The PGA TOUR, through the efforts of its three tours and their tournaments, sponsors, players and volunteers, supports over 2,000 local charities and has surpassed $1.3 billion in charitable giving. To learn more about the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour and to follow the season-long quest for a PGA TOUR card, visit PGATOUR.COM.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 

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Hunter Public Relations

(831) 375-1747

evyeda@hunter-pr.com

Kristen Hunter

Hunter Public Relations

(831) 375-1747

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