Guinness & Co. to Hit Golf Green This Summer in Unexpected Ways

NEW YORK, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Grab your clubs and perfect that drive because today, Guinness & Co. announces its search for the ultimate golf foursome to play with Irish pro golfer and 2010 U.S. Open winner, Graeme McDowell, in the first-ever GUINNESS Black 9 Challenge. Winners of the nationwide contest will have the chance to meet and play with the famed athlete in an 18-hole round of golf that features a back 9 with some fun, unexpected twists.

Between now and June 30th, U.S. residents of legal drinking age can visit www.Facebook.com/GuinnessUs where they can describe, in detail, who would be included in their ultimate golf foursomes. Based on the originality and creativity of the entries, Graeme McDowell, along with a panel of judges, will award the winners and their golf foursomes with all-expenses paid trips to Chicago in September 2012. While there, they will tee off with McDowell -- and face some unusual challenges on the back 9 -- all while responsibly enjoying the flavorful taste of GUINNESS Black Lager.

The GUINNESS Black 9 Challenge is a program inspired by the brand's newest offering: GUINNESS Black Lager. Much like how driving a ball 300 yards in the dark adds a surprising twist to the typical round of golf, GUINNESS Black Lager possesses the same roasted barley character for which the brand is known, with a finish that's unexpectedly crisp and refreshing.

Graeme McDowell emerged as a golf hero in 2010, becoming the first European to capture the U.S. Open title in more than 40 years. Having represented Ireland at the World Cup and as a prominent member of the European Ryder Cup team, McDowell has become a name synonymous with the sport.

"I'm from Ireland so when I heard about the GUINNESS Black 9 Challenge, there was no question that I wanted to be a part of it," said McDowell. "Although I compete professionally, from the time I first picked up a club, golf has always been a staple for fun and friendly competition, and the new GUINNESS Black Lager is the perfect beer to enjoy responsibly at the nineteenth hole."

"Nothing compares to hitting the course with friends and cracking open an ice cold beer," said Doug Campbell, GUINNESS Brand Director. "GUINNESS Black Lager is a great beer to enjoy responsibly after a round of golf and the GUINNESS Black 9 Challenge is a perfect way to showcase its refreshing taste in a fun way. The four lucky winners that will be competing against Graeme are in for a unique round of golf that they'll remember for the rest of their lives."

After entering your fantasy golf foursome for the GUINNESS Black 9 Challenge, GUINNESS invites all legal drinking age adult consumers to hit the course and raise a bottle of GUINNESS Black Lager to welcome the warmer months. Whether you eagle a hole or need to hit the driving range, the best times on the course are always those that are enjoyed responsibly.

About GUINNESS® 
GUINNESS® enjoys a global reputation as a uniquely authentic Irish beer and the best-selling stout in the world.  Famous for its dark color, creamy head and unique surge and settle, this distinctive beer has been brewed at the St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland since 1759.  Over 10 million glasses of GUINNESS beer are enjoyed every single day around the world, and 1.8 billion pints are sold every year.  GUINNESS is available in well over 100 countries worldwide and is brewed in almost 50.  Also from the makers of GUINNESS, SMITHWICK'S, Ireland's oldest and best selling ale and HARP Lager, whose name pays tribute to the GUINNESS logo and the national symbol of Ireland.  Additional information about GUINNESS can be found at www.guinness.com.

About Diageo
Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. 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 more than 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 Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE GUINNESS