New Orleans (March 12, 2007) --  The Zurich Classic of New Orleans returns to TPC Louisiana April 16th – 22nd for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.  The course has undergone some competitive enhancements since the last tournament, following advice from the PGA TOUR (and Katrina).  The 2007 Zurich Classic will feature more entertainment, more food, and more fun than ever before.

“Our goal is to put on the best PGA TOUR event possible,” said Tommy Fonseca, President of the Fore!Kids Foundation.  “I think this year’s attendees will be overwhelmed by the new amenities and entertainment available at our tournament, not to mention the world-class golf.”

Zurich Classic Purse Increases to $6.1 Million
The Fore!Kids Foundation announced the increase of the tournament purse to $6.1 million, from $6 million in 2006.  The PGA TOUR event’s purse has more than tripled since 1998.  The golfers will be competing for the $1,098,000 top prize.

“This increase shows Zurich’s commitment to the event and to the children of New Orleans,” said Fonseca.  This is the eleventh year in a row that the New Orleans PGA TOUR event has increased its purse.

Best Food on TOUR Offered at Zurich Classic
The tastiest spot on the golf course for the fifth year in a row is the Champions Club.  Located on the 18th fairway, this members-only tent is the ideal setting for those who relish fine dining.  It’s the only place in town you can enjoy the delicacies of New Orleans favorites Acme Oyster House, Arnaud’s, Drago’s, Emeril’s Delmonico, Galatoire’s, Kabby’s, Mr. B’s Bistro, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Semolina and Zea Rotisserie and Brewery – all under one roof.

Great food can be found all over the course.  The Outback Steakhouse Trail offers the restaurant’s signature dishes amidst holes 13, 14 and 17.  And the Coca Cola Grille features Jazz Fest-style food vendors selling some of New Orleans’ most famous dishes.

Let the Good Times Roll
“Music is such an important part of the New Orleans experience, so we felt it was only fitting to offer some of the best to our players, caddies and spectators,” said Fonseca.  In a new offering, this year’s private Pro-Am Draw Party will feature multi-Grammy-winning quartet Hootie and the Blowfish. 
Attendees of the tournament will enjoy the sounds of Better Than Ezra on Saturday, April 21st, after the last putt drops.  And on Sunday, April 22nd, following the championship round, a lineup of New Orleans all-stars will wow the crowd at the Coca Cola Grille.  Musicians slated to play include Irma Thomas, Marva Wright, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr., Theresa Andersson, Trombone Shorty and Ivan Neville.

Parking To Be Hassle-Free
This year’s mantra is “Parking No Problem.”  Anyone attending the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, from volunteers to vendors, sponsors to spectators, will not have any trouble parking or catching a quick bus to the tournament gates. 

“We have more buses than ever before running more often than ever before.  And, with spectator parking at the Alario Center, the ride to the tournament will take mere minutes,” said Fonseca. 

For further information on the Zurich Classic of New Orleans or to purchase tickets, please visit www.zurichgolfclassic.com or call 504-342-3000.  For further information on the Fore!Kids Foundation and its mission, please visit www.forekidsfoundation.com.

About the Fore!Kids Foundation
The Fore!Kids Foundation produces the annual stop on the PGA TOUR in New Orleans. Since its inception, the Foundation has helped to raise more than $15 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.