TULSA, OK - Officials from Octagon and the John Q. Hammons Hotels Classic announced today that John Q. Hammons and the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center have committed to extend their title sponsorship through the 2006 event with an option to renew through 2009. The John Q. Hammons Hotel Classic returns to Cedar Ridge Country Club, September 12-18.

"I'm very pleased to help keep the LPGA Tour here in Tulsa," said John Q. Hammons, Chairman of John Q. Hammons Industries and owner of the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center. "The reception the community gives to the tournament and the Renaissance is unparalleled. Having record breaking attendance and such strong support from the best players in the world allows us to raise both funding and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation."

"This is a great day for Oklahoma as we continue our relationship with Mr. Hammons and the LPGA Tour," said Jerry Wilkins, Director of Sales. "We're thrilled that Mr. Hammons has provided us further opportunities to expand on one of the best tournaments on the Tour as we celebrate our fifth anniversary. We're very appreciative of the support we receive from the community and are looking forward to another record-breaking year at Cedar Ridge Country Club."

"The support we have received from John Q. Hammons as the title sponsor over the last two years has been tremendous," said LPGA Commissioner Ty M. Votaw. "His commitment to the Tulsa community and the LPGA has allowed our lone event in Oklahoma to grow into one of the most well-attended, most popular events on Tour. We are excited about John Q. Hammons' sponsorship extension and are looking forward to continuing a rich tradition of golf in Tulsa in the coming years."

The tournament has also extended agreements with its host facility and "Official Charity." The tournament will remain at Cedar Ridge Country club through the 2006 tournament and the Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will remain the "Official Charity" for this year's event.

"Cedar Ridge Country Club is one of the finest facilities in Oklahoma and has only received rave reviews from the LPGA pros. Cleve Stubblefield, Buddy Phillips, Mike Wooten and the entire staff at Cedar Ridge Country Club created an atmosphere that everyone in attendance enjoyed and we're thrilled to be back," said Wilkins. "Having one of the finest facilities and our relationship with such an admirable cause is part of the reason this Tournament is so successful. We're extremely happy to associate our tournament with the Sooner Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and we hope to create even more awareness for its cause throughout the year."

The $1 million John Q. Hammons Hotel Classic will again feature the best players in ladies professional golf including defending champion Annika Sorenstam, past champion Karrie Webb, hometown favorite Stacy Prammanasudh and other notables such as Meg Mallon, Juli Inkster and Grace Park. The total economic impact generated for the city of Tulsa and surrounding areas is estimated at $10 - $12 million.

About John Q. Hammons and the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center
John Q. Hammons is the owner of the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, one of two Renaissance hotels in the state of Oklahoma managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, a leading independent owner and manager of affordable upscale, full service hotels located primarily in key secondary markets. John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts owns 47 hotels located in 20 states, containing 11,629 guestrooms or suites. It also manages 14 additional hotels located in six states owned personally by Mr. Hammons, including the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center. The majority of these hotels operate under the Embassy Suites, Marriott and Holiday Inn trade names. Most of the hotels are located near state capitols, universities, convention centers, corporate headquarters, office parks or other stable demand generators. For more information, please visit www.jqhhotels.com.

About Octagon's Golf Division

Octagon's Golf Division manages some of the finest professional golf events including two Champions Tour events, The ACE Group Classic presented by Terminix Commercial and the SAS Championship presented by Forbes; two LPGA Tour events, the Sybase Classic presented by Lincoln Mercury and the John Q. Hammons Hotel Classic presented by Ford; and one Nationwide Tour event, The Rex Hospital Open. Octagon's golf division also represents nearly 40 golfing professionals including Davis Love III, Chris Smith, Meg Mallon, Beth Daniel, Emilee Klein, Tom Kite, Gary Koch, and brothers, Bobby and Lanny Wadkins.

Media Contact:
Chris Madigan
Octagon
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