NEW VENUE BOOST FOR BALLANTINE’S CHAMPIONSHIP

Blackstone Golf Club Course

Ballantine’s, the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific, will further benefit from its ongoing commitment to golf with the announcement that Korea’s largest golf event, the Ballantine’s Championship, is to move from Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island, where the tournament has been held since 2008, to newly built Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, South Korea.

The Ballantine’s Championship is set to prosper in the new setting, with the proximity to capital city Seoul due to attract more star players and generate an increase in visitor numbers. With Ballantine’s recently extending its sponsorship of the tournament for a further three years, the European Tour event will remain at Blackstone until 2013, at least.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Moore, Global Brand Director, Ballantine’s said: “Ballantine’s and golf share a long history and are enjoyed together throughout the world. In Korea, there are five million golfers, many of whom are whisky drinkers making it a very important market for Ballantine’s. With this move, we are confident that the Ballantine’s Championship will go from strength-to-strength by attracting new players and visitors, and subsequently offer us the opportunity to continue to build our heritage and credibility in the world of golf.”

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour added: “Over the last three years the Ballantine’s Championship has become firmly established as one of the premier events in Asia and this move to Blackstone Golf & Resort, will further enhance the Championship’s credentials. We thank Ballantine’s for their vision and continued commitment to developing the Championship, the Korean PGA and the event promoter PMG for their support.”

Ballantine’s offers the most extensive range of aged Scotch whiskies in the world, with Ballantine’s 30 Year Old at its pinnacle. In South Korea, Ballantine’s is the undisputed No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky.

Notes

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No 1 Scotch whisky inEurope, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

•           Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013

•           Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open, held every July at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club

•           The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

Ballantine's Aged Range