New Orleans (April 3, 2006) – Fred Funk and Scott Verplank have committed to play in the upcoming Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The event will take place April 24 - 30, 2006 at English Turn Golf and Country Club.

In June, Fred Funk celebrates his 50th birthday and although this qualifies him for the Champions Tour, it's unlikely the fifty and older crowd will see much action from Funk anytime soon. In 2005, Funk won his 7th PGA TOUR title at The Players Championship and became the oldest player to do so at the age of 48. The win not only secured his playing rights on TOUR through the age of 54, but was a big factor in Funk being invited to play in The Skins Game.

As a rookie in The Skins Game, Funk left quite an impression on his fans and competitors. On the third hole, he donned a flowery pink skirt as punishment for Annika Sorenstam out-driving him. At the 18th he made a two-putt birdie that secured his 15th skin and a total of $925,000 as he cruised to victory.

Scott Verplank is coming off of a great 2005 season where he made 21 of 25 cuts and finished in the top-ten 5 times with two 2nd place finishes. By year's end, Verplank collected over 2.5 million dollars in winnings which landed him 16th on the money list. In just the first seven events of 2006, Verplank has had two second place finishes and three other top-ten finishes. The four-time TOUR winner has finished in the top-25 five times in 15 trips to New Orleans.

About the Fore!Kids Foundation
The Fore!Kids Foundation produces the annual stop on the PGA TOUR in New Orleans. The Foundation also hosts the Golf Ball (a black tie gala) as well as a series of events in which amateurs participate and the proceeds are distributed to a specific charity. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $13 million to area charities. Additionally, the Fore!Kids Foundation, through the PGA TOUR event, provides an estimated $25 million in annual economic impact to the City and State. The tournament is televised to an international audience, allowing millions of people to see some of the area's greatest attractions.

About Zurich Financial Services
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries.