Johnnie Walker Collection, PGA Pro Jim Furyk launch national 'Safe Drive' program

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The next time PGA professional Jim Furyk sets out to the tee he will be swinging for more than just the fairway as part of a new campaign being launched today by JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION. One million dollars could be the payout to the global organization RADD (www.radd.org), the entertainment industry's voice for road safety, if third-ranked PGA professional Jim Furyk breaks the record for the highest percentage of fairways hit in a season since 2000. It's all part of "The Jim Furyk and JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION Safe Drive Campaign," a national program launching today to raise awareness of road safety, sponsored by the makers of Johnnie Walker® (www.johnniewalker.com), the world's best-selling brand of blended Scotch whisky.

As part of the kick-off to the campaign and as the first of several "Safe Drive" events across the PGA season, JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION today is offering free taxi rides to consumers of legal purchase age in New York City. To participate, consumers can quickly sign up and grab a ride from 12:00 – 7:00 pm. at the JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION kiosk, which will be located at Union Square (East 14th Street, west of University Place). The taxis will depart from the kiosk location and provide free rides to destinations within New York City.

"As one of the best in the sport, Jim is known for his million dollar swing and landing safe drives on the fairway. This year, JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION wanted to take that combination one step further with Jim to bring home our message of safe driving - both on and off the course," said Bill Topf, Vice President Johnnie Walker. "Known for leadership and achievements on the course, Jim is the perfect person to help bring this responsible drinking campaign to life."

"By offering this one million dollar challenge for charity, JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION has created a unique way to show their support for me and our mutual message of responsible drinking," said Furyk. "Kicking off this program to benefit RADD right before the holidays when road safety is foremost on people's minds reinforces a message that has the potential to save lives throughout the year. I also look forward to trying to break the record for the highest percentage of ‘safe drives' -- driving accuracy -- when the PGA season starts in just a few weeks."

RADD General Manager Robert Pineda added, "Our message about responsible driving is especially urgent around the holidays, so we are thrilled to have the support and involvement of such a well known brand and a world class partner."

RADD is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that pairs athletes, celebrities, media partners and socially conscious sponsors to create positive attitudes about road safety. Independent of Furyk breaking the record, JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION will donate $25,000 in his name.

Furyk, one of the most successful players in golf, currently ranks fifth in career earnings on the PGA Tour and has played in more than 362 events over an illustrious 15-year career. Known for his unorthodox swing, Furyk's best season to date was 2006, when he won twice, posted 14 Top 10s, finished second in money and won the Vardon Trophy for low scoring average. He also reached second in the world rankings that year.

This past June, Furyk and JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION announced a three-year sponsorship agreement. The JOHNNIE WALKER iconic striding man logo and JOHNNIE WALKER COLLECTION branding will appear on the back yoke of the neck of Furyk's golf shirt whenever Furyk is participating in personal appearances, the PGA Tour and USGA sanctioned events.

Golf and Scotch whisky are arguably two of Scotland's greatest gifts to the world, and Johnnie Walker – the world's leading Scotch whisky brand – has been linked with the sport since the mid-19th Century. Most notable associations include the Asia Pacific's premier golf event, the Johnnie Walker Classic, and the Johnnie Walker Championship in Gleneagles Scotland.

About Johnnie Walker®:

Johnnie Walker® is the world's leading Scotch whisky brand. Its portfolio features five award-winning whiskies—Red Label®, Black Label®, Green Label®, Gold Label®, and Blue Label® —imported and distributed in the United States by Diageo North America. At the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Anniversary Pack created to honor the 200th birthday of founder and original blender John Walker was named "Best Blended Scotch" and Green Label was named "Best Blended Malt Scotch," its second year receiving the double gold medal. More than 4 bottles of Johnnie Walker are consumed every second, and more than 120 million bottles are sold every year in more than 200 countries. The product line covers a broad range of occasions for the whisky drinker from every day to special moments. The five premium brands represent a range of prices and tastes that share a remarkable 180-year history and a commitment to quality. Additional information about Johnnie Walker may be found at www.johnniewalker.com.

About Diageo:

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in some 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

About RADD®:

RADD®, '"The Entertainment Industry's Voice for Road Safety," is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that empowers celebrities, media partners and socially-conscious supporters to create positive attitudes about road safety. Founded in 1986, RADD advocates the use of designated drivers, seatbelts and safe driving through control behind the wheel, making responsible behavior the norm. RADD's messages are non-judgmental, hip and positive. RADD® is a proud two-time recipient of the US Department of Transportation's prestigious Public Service Award. www.radd.org

Contacts:

Shaun Clair

Taylor

(212) 714-1280, x334

sclair@taylorpr.com

Gillian Cook

Diageo

(646) 223-2326

gillian.cook@diageo.com