AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Swings for $100 Million Milestone in 2012

DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There are 100 million reasons to get excited for the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. This year, the tournament is expected to drive past $100 million in donations to Northern California organizations since its start in 1937. After last year's record-breaking $8 million fund-raising performance, the tournament's all-time tally now stands at more than $94 million.

"We're glad to have AT&T* on our team," said Cathy Scherzer Corey, Marketing and Public Relations Director of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, who has dubbed this year's campaign the Drive to $100 Million. "The contributions raised through this tournament have helped change countless lives here in Northern California."

In AT&T's 27 years as title sponsor, the tournament and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation have raised more than $81 million for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations.

"Reaching $100 million will be an incredible achievement," said Mark Wright, Senior Vice President, AT&T Corporate Sponsorships. "This tournament falls right in line with our philanthropic mission to help build stronger communities and promote education."

"Reaching the $100 million milestone in charitable giving will be a tremendous accomplishment and a tribute to the tireless efforts of everyone involved with the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am to make a meaningful difference through the tournament," said Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR chief of operations. "The PGA TOUR congratulates the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Pebble Beach, AT&T and the tournament staff and volunteers for everything they've done to make a difference in so many lives."

The 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am continues a tradition of incredible competition, entertainment and generosity that dates back to 1937. The tournament has attracted some of golf's greatest players and many celebrities, sports stars and political personalities. This year, fans are looking forward to seeing returning champion D.A. Points and amateur champion Bill Murray defend their titles.  Also, Tiger Woods and other PGA TOUR stars will tee it up alongside professional athletes and celebrities such as Tony Romo, Josh Duhamel and George Lopez.

Bringing back an old favorite, the tournament gave one lucky fan the chance to caddie for one of the professionals through the AT&T Caddie Call Sweepstakes. After online entries, text messages and tweets were submitted, Kristina Burgoyne from Tomball, TX was announced as this year's winner. She will caddie for 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson during the Wednesday round of the Pro-Am and bring a friend along to attend the tournament.

The tournament is also allowing mobile phone access for attendees. For the second consecutive year, the PGA TOUR and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am will allow fans to carry mobile devices and use them in select areas on the golf course. As long as all phones stay on silent or vibrate settings, mobile users can access the Internet, send text messages, and download data across all three AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf courses. Attendees can make phone calls at designated areas on the course and will be able to charge their devices at free charging stations on all courses.

"Continuing onsite mobile access throughout 2012 PGA TOUR events gives AT&T a great opportunity to enhance the overall fan experience," Wright said. "We want the spectators to stay connected and receive the latest updates right at their fingertips."

Bringing this concept to life, AT&T is introducing the AT&T Golf Gallery Chatter, which will allow fans to receive alerts and exclusive updates across all three courses simultaneously. Throughout the week, fans can text CHATTER to 33992 to automatically enter for a chance to win great prizes and participate in on-course scavenger hunts. **

AT&T Wi-Fi also will be available for spectators to connect in designated areas, including the AT&T Digital Clubhouse at the Triangle on Pebble Beach Golf Links. Fans can log on to AT&T Wi-Fi from their smartphones and other Wi-Fi enabled devices to enhance and share their tournament experience by checking leaderboard stats and updates, or posting on social networking sites. AT&T customers with qualifying AT&T smartphone, 3G LaptopConnect, and high speed Internet plans can access AT&T Wi-Fi at no additional charge. For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi and how to connect, visit AT&T Wi-Fi access.

During the tournament, fans are invited to stop by the AT&T Digital Clubhouse, located at the Triangle on Pebble Beach Golf Links – where holes 6, 8 and 14 meet – to participate in the "Closest to the Pin" contest, enjoy the action from two outdoor patio decks and experience a variety of AT&T products and services.  Additionally, at the AT&T Fan Zone tent located on the 18th hole, guests can use YP.COM to explore businesses and other events on the Monterey Peninsula – as well as local deals to save money along the way. And, at the Grand Entrance, fans can participate in golf-related games and trivia at the AT&T Fan Zone Tour Truck.

Fans on-site and off can follow event happenings through the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Facebook page and on AT&T Fan Zone. More information on AT&T's sponsorships is available at: www.att.com/sponsorships.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes commences at 11:00 PM PST on February 6, 2012 and ends at 1:00 PM PST on February 13, 2012. Must be 18 or older and legal resident of the 50 U.S. and the District of Columbia to enter. Void where prohibited. For Sweepstakes Official Rules, alternate method of entry, prize descriptions and odds of winning visit http://uverseonline.att.net/sports/org/golf-home. Standard message and data rates apply.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. 

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About the Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Monterey Peninsula Foundation (MPF) is a charitable foundation which disburses funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach on the Champions Tour.  MPF focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey County and surrounding areas. Since the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am came to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947, over $94 million has been raised for charity.

In 2004 the First Tee Open was introduced to serve as a showcase for The First Tee whose global mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org; www.attpbgolf.com; www.thefirstteeopen.com

SOURCE AT&T Inc.