PHOENIX, Ariz. -- 2009 FBR Open Tournament Chairman John Felix announced that victorious 2008 US Ryder Cup Captain Paul Azinger will receive the first sponsor's exemption for the 2009 FBR Open. Felix and the tournament host Thunderbirds will hand out a total of five sponsor's exemptions for the FBR Open, scheduled to be played at the TPC Scottsdale, January 26 - February 1.

"Paul is a former champion of our event and has played here every year but one since joining the PGA TOUR," said Felix. "We are extremely pleased that he will be joining us for the 2009 FBR Open. We know our fans are going to be excited to see him and show their appreciation for the two-plus years of hard work he put in to help the USA secure the Cup."

The 49-year-old Azinger has 12 career victories on the PGA TOUR, including wins in the 1993 PGA Championship and a 1-shot victory over Hal Sutton in the 1987 Phoenix Open, his first career win on the PGA TOUR. Azinger also has participated on five Ryder Cup teams (1989, 1991, 1993, 2002 and 2008 as Captain) and two President's Cup teams (1994 and 2000).

Azinger has played in 24 FBR/Phoenix Opens in his career, including 14 straight and 23 of the last 24. He has three top-10 finishes and has recorded more than $393,000 in earnings. This, his 25th Open appearance ties him for second all-time in tournament history behind Gene Littler (28 appearances) and Tom Purtzer (25 appearances). His only absence came in 1994, after undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments after being diagnosed with cancer.

The FBR Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has raised more than $61 million for charities, with more than $33 million generated in just the last four years. Annually sporting by far the largest crowds for any golfing event in the world, the FBR Open has gained legendary status for being a unique stop on the PGA TOUR. The 2009 edition, to be played January 26th through February 1st, will mark the 74th playing of the event, and the fifth as the FBR Open, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR.

Rob Myers
FBR Open Media Relations Director
Vice President -- Communication Links
Office - 480-348-7540
Cell - 602-317-6131