New Orleans (April 4, 2006) – Lee Westwood has accepted a sponsor exemption and 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.

European Tour star Lee Westwood has 25 professional wins to his credit. Twenty-four of those wins have come internationally with his lone PGA TOUR victory coming back in 1998 in New Orleans. In 2005 Westwood teed it up fifteen times on the TOUR and, even though he didn't record a top ten, Westwood finished in the money 12 times. In his first five starts of 2006, Westwood has two top ten finishes with ties for fifth at both the Nissan Open and Bayhill Invitational.

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.