H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT AND KEVIN COSTNER CHIP IN FOR EUROPE'S ONLY CELEBRITY PRO-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT

Zepter Monte-Carlo Pro Celebrity Golf Championship
Raises Money and Awareness for Charities

The city of Monte-Carlo is renowned for attracting the world's rich and famous, as well as for playing host to some of Europe's most exciting sporting events. Beginning the week of Sept. 6, Monte-Carlo will proudly combine celebrity and sport to host Europe's only celebrity pro-am golf championship.

An official event on the European Seniors Tour, the Zepter Monte-Carlo Pro Celebrity Championship will take place Sept. 9 - 11 at the Monte-Carlo Golf Club. His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco and American film star Kevin Costner will serve as Honorary Co-Chairmen for the event. Dr. Michael W.J. Smurfit, host of the 2005 Ryder Cup, will be the Honorary Charity Chairman of the event.

Among the celebrities scheduled to participate in this year's event are: Virgin founder Richard Branson; Grammy-winning musical artist Michael Bolton; former NBA basketball star Julius (Dr. J) Irving; three-time Wimbledon Champion Boris Becker; National Hockey League legend Wayne Gretzky and television actor Jason Priestly.

The highlight of this full week of activities will be a Gala Dinner and Charity Auction to benefit two charities selected by this year's Co-Chairmen. H.S.H. Prince Albert chose AMADE, a children's charity. Costner selected Haven House, a shelter for battered women and their children. The emcee for the evening will be actor Roger Moore, best known for his role as James Bond.

"The citizens of Monte-Carlo as hosts of the inaugural Monte-Carlo Pro Celebrity Championship are pleased and fortunate to welcome some of the world's finest golfers and some of the world's most recognized names in the entertainment industry," said H.S.H. Prince Albert. "We are also very grateful to Mr. Kevin Costner, Zepter International and this year's sponsors and participants for their contributions to worthy causes such as AMADE and Haven House."

The live Charity Auction will feature a treasure trove of exotic vacations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. On auction block will be a three-day vacation to Richard Branson's private game reserve in South Africa, a tennis match versus H.S.H. Prince Albert, a day of water skiing with Olympic Gold Medalist Alberto Tomba, a day on the set of Costner's latest film production, a five-day Canadian wilderness vacation on an island off the coast of Vancouver, exotic jewelry by Van Cleef and Bulgari and the opportunity to "Carry for Gary" as a caddie for Gary Player in the 2000 British Open.

In addition to the Charity Auction, the Gala will include a brief fashion show from Elite Runway, a fashion agency out of Milan, Italy. The entertainment will be provided by Khadja Nin, a very talented female vocal performer, who will be accompanied by some very special guests.

In the United States, the pro-am golf format has been a favorite of players and fans alike. For more than fifty years, the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am has been one of the most popular events on the PGA TOUR. The Zepter Monte-Carlo Pro Celebrity Championship is Europe's only official professional event with the celebrity pro-am format, and some of the world's top Senior golfers will be on hand. Gary Player, winner of nine major tournaments including three British Opens, will join the likes of Calvin Peete, winner of twelve tournaments on the PGA TOUR, and Christy O'Connor, winner of the 1999 Senior British Open, to compete for the honor of winning this inaugural tournament and a share of the 175,000 euro (approximately $187,355) purse.

"It is an honor to serve alongside Prince Albert as Co-Chairman, said Costner. "I am thrilled that this event will contribute to the lives of women and children both in the United States and Europe."

In addition to the many talented golf professionals and celebrities, the tournament is associated with an all-star lineup of sponsors including the naming sponsor Zepter, a supplier of health related products in 41 countries worldwide. Other significant contributions have been made by Virgin, British Motors Rolls Royce and Europcar.

The week will be filled with both competition and celebration. Practice rounds begin Sept. 7. The week-long party starts the evening of Sept. 8 with a welcoming celebration. The tournament's first round begins Thursday, Sept. 9 with a private dinner for participants hosted by Dr. Smurfit that evening. Second round action will continue on Friday followed by a private cocktail party on a yacht attended by the Honorary Co-Chairmen H.S.H Prince Albert and Kevin Costner and hosted by the Monte-Carlo Yacht Club in celebration of Monacao Classic Week taking place in Monte-Carlo throughout the week of the tournament. The third and final round will be played Saturday, Sept. 11 concluded by the Gala Dinner and Charity Auction.

The Monte-Carlo Golf Club, a beautiful 6,198-yard par-71 layout situated atop Mont Agel, is graced with spectacular views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The course hosted the Monte-Carlo Open, a regular stop on the European Tour from 1984 to 1992. Past champions include Ian Woosnam, Seve Ballesteros and Sam Torrance.

The tournament will be produced and operated by Monte-Carlo Entertainment, a local sports and entertainment event agency. "The excitement and enthusiasm for this tournament has been enormous," said Mike Powers, President of MCE. "This tournament will introduce the world to both the formidable talent of the players on the European Seniors Tour and the extraordinary beauty of our home."

Tourists have been drawn to Monte-Carlo for centuries to admire the extraordinary architecture, breathtaking vistas and world famous casinos. Covering approximately one square-mile, the Principality of Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world. Yet despite its size, Monaco is rich in both history and culture.