Johnnie Walker Toasts 2010 PGA Player of the Year Jim Furyk

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnnie Walker congratulates Jim Furyk for earning the 2010 PGA Player of the Year Award. The FedExCup Champion demonstrated unflappable focus and unwavering determination to achieve this honorable title.  It is Furyk's everyday performance, not just a singular moment, which earned him this distinction and reinforces why he bears the century-old Striding Man logo representing the proud sponsor's Keep Walking message on the front of his golf shirt.

"In honor of this momentous occasion, we raise a glass to toast Jim Furyk, an athlete who embodies the belief that it is the journey that truly matters," said Dan Kleinman, Marketing Director of Scotch, Diageo. "We wish him continued success on and off the golf course. Keep Walking."

Johnnie Walker began the relationship with Furyk in 1999 and recently inked a three-year renewal with the champion, which took effect on January 1, 2010. Throughout the lifetime of the partnership, Furyk, who is as well known for his sportsmanlike conduct as he is for his championship-level play, has been a valued partner in leading the brand's social responsibility and consumer education efforts.

"It's an honor to receive the PGA Player of the Year Award this year," said Furyk. "I want to thank my partner Johnnie Walker for reminding all of us, no matter where the ball lies, we can only achieve success if we Keep Walking."

Whether out on the course, or out for the night, a big win comes from making safe driving choices. Johnnie Walker reminds you to please drink responsibly.

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."

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 http://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, 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 Diageo