Miami — Doral's famed Blue Monster may be feared by professional golfers, but the Ford brand is back to tame the course as the Ford Championship at Doral is set to tee off Thursday through Sunday.

Ford at Doral

Ford returns as sponsor of "Ford Championship at Doral." Ford announced its entitlement at Doral in October 2002. Winner takes away $900,000 and a Ford GT supercar - the most expensive and exclusive automotive prize in PGA Tour history. PGA Tour pros competed to determine the best 'driver' at Ford Championship Racing Adventure at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Ford Championship at Doral is the third oldest, continuous event on the PGA TOUR, in its 43rd year in 2004. The Ford Championship at Doral surpassed the ten million dollar mark in charitable giving to South Florida charities in 2003. The Tournament is the first PGA event on the Florida Swing, one of the most anticipated portions of the TOUR leading up to the Masters.

The tournament, which is the third oldest, continuous golf tournament on the PGA Tour, carried the Ford nameplate for the first time in 2003. Doral is a key part of Ford's comprehensive golf marketing strategy and foray into the world of long drives and lush fairways. The strategy also includes the endorsement of PGA Tour superstar Phil Mickelson and the sponsorship of the Ford Senior Players Championship in Dearborn, Mich.

"Last year, Ford made quite a splash at Doral, and we are thrilled to tee it up again this year, with a few new twists," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "We're looking forward to another great year at Doral."

Proving the old golf adage about 'driving' for show, Ford will reward this year's tournament winner with a highly anticipated all-new 2005 Ford GT supercar. With a retail price tag of about $140,000, the Ford GT is the most expensive and exclusive automotive prize ever awarded in the history of the PGA TOUR. A first place check of $900,000 also comes with the winning score at Doral.

"We've raised the stakes with the addition of the Ford GT supercar and we know the pros have taken notice," said Lyons. "Winning the tournament is the only sure way to get a new Ford GT."

Nearly 150 of the world's top golfers are scheduled to compete for a total purse of $5 million on the taxing 7,125-yard, par 72 Blue Course, nicknamed the "Blue Monster," for its numerous on-course water hazards. The tournament was first held in 1962 and now is the third oldest, continuous event on the PGA TOUR and traditionally kicks off the Tour's four-week Florida Swing in March.

FORD ADDS FAN ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE TOURNAMENT EXPERIENCE
Golf enthusiasts attending the 2004 Ford Championship at Doral will be treated to a host of new fan enhancements including:

• Salsa on the Green - an evening concert on Saturday featuring internationally known salsa legend Oscar D'Leon and Grammy and Billboard Award winner Albita. The concert is free to spectators with a Saturday admission ticket to the tournament.

• Swing analysis by golf professionals and longest drive competition in a virtual reality golf simulator with daily prizes.

• Classic and present day Ford vehicle displays - including a 40th Anniversary Mustang showcase that features the all-new 2005 Mustang - and a chance to win a dream golf getaway.

"Ford's involvement with Doral reinforces its commitment to the game of golf, the people who play it and the communities in which we do business," Lyons said. "Ford and its South Florida dealers look forward to contributing to this tournament's lasting effect on golf and the Miami community."

Doral has raised more than $10 million for South Florida charities since the tournament's inception in 1962.