PGA Tour stars Graeme McDowell and Brandt Snedeker Join Team RBC

Renewed partnerships with Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Matt Kuchar, Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, Morgan Pressel, Graham DeLaet and David Hearn

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, RBC is proud to announce new relationships with 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell and 2012 FedEx Cup Champion Brandt Snedeker who will become golf ambassadors and represent the RBC brand globally.

RBC becomes the official banking and financial services partner for each athlete. As part of Team RBC, all players will showcase the RBC logo on their golf bags and apparel and be featured in RBC marketing and advertising campaigns planned for the U.S., Canada, and international markets. McDowell and Snedeker join Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk, Hunter Mahan, Stephen Ames, Mike Weir, Graham DeLaet, David Hearn and Morgan Pressel as RBC's ambassadors.

"We are excited to have Graeme and Brandt join our team of world-class athletes," said Jane Broderick, chief brand and communications officer at RBC. "These players are well-respected, have global recognition and will serve as terrific ambassadors for RBC. As one of the key drivers of RBC's sponsorship program, golf enables us to build our brand and connect with golf fans around the world."

"After playing in the RBC Canadian Open the last few years, I am very excited at the opportunity to partner with them," said Brandt Snedeker. "As one of the strongest banks in the world, I am impressed with RBC's leadership and reputation, as well as their commitment to golf."

Graeme McDowell noted "I'm very excited about becoming a member of Team RBC. I've admired the great work RBC has been doing in golf over the past few years and to become a part of it is an honour. I'm looking forward to playing in both the RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open this year."

Renewed partnerships
In addition, RBC has renewed partnerships with PGA Tour players Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Matt Kuchar, Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, Graham DeLaet and David Hearn as well as LPGA Tour golfer Morgan Pressel. Team RBC has seen tremendous success over the past year, winning the 2012 British Open (Els), the 2012 PLAYERS Championship (Kuchar), the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play and Shell Houston Open (Mahan) and the 2012 Transitions Championship (Donald).

"RBC is a global player in golf and I'm excited to extend our partnership as they continue to strengthen their stable of ambassadors, support charitable causes and expand grassroots golf programs in Canada," said Ernie Els.

Luke Donald added "I'm proud to continue to represent RBC on the international stage as they are a terrific partner, not only to me, but to the game of golf as well."

This announcement builds on RBC's ongoing commitment to golf as the title sponsor of the 2013 RBC Heritage being held at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina from April 15 to 21, and the 2013 RBC Canadian Open, which will be played at Glen Abbey Golf and Country Club from July 22 to 28 in Oakville, Ontario. RBC also provides support for the PGA of Canada, Canadian Amateur Golf Championships, Golf Canada's development program and high performance national team.

About Graeme McDowell

• Currently #17 on the Official World Golf Ranking
• Recently won the World Golf Challenge
• Won the 2010 U.S. Open, ending a 40-year drought for Europeans at tournament
• Seven-time European Tour winner
• Three-time European Ryder Cup team member

About Brandt Snedeker

• Currently #8 on the Official World Golf Ranking
  
• Four-time PGA Tour winner including the 2012 Farmers Insurance Open and 2011 Heritage
  
• Won the 2012 FedEx Cup with a victory in the season-ending Tour Championship
  
• Named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2007

SOURCE: RBC

Please contact:

Jackie Braden, Director, RBC Brand Communications, 416 974-1724