11:52 AM - January 18, 2011 by Steve_OS
Welsh Golfer to Wear EA SPORTS Branding Throughout 2011 Season and Makes Debut in Video Game
Guildford, UK. – January 18, 2011 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced the signing of Welsh golf pro Rhys Davies as the latest addition to the recently revealed Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 12: The Masters®. Rhys will become a brand ambassador for EA SPORTS™ and the golfing franchise and, as part of the deal, wear the famous logo on his shirt in all competitions throughout the year – the first time EA SPORTS has sponsored a golfer on the European Tour.
“We’re extremely excited to be partnering with Rhys Davies. He had an exceptional rookie year on the European Tour in 2010 and is sure to achieve even greater success in 2011,” said Shaun White – Senior PR Manager EA SPORTS. ”We will work with Rhys on several initiatives during the season and give gamers an insight into the life of a tour professional.”
“I’m delighted to be appearing in the new game and especially proud to be the first European Tour golf brand ambassador for EA SPORTS,” said Rhys Davies. “It’s every golfer’s dream to be immortalized in a video game and I can’t wait to compete against my virtual character.” said Davies. “As a tour professional, I am privileged to experience some of the world’s best golf courses, many of which are featured in the game. I look forward to getting some vital practice on these courses in the game before tackling them for real!”
Davies’ successful 2010 rookie campaign featured his maiden European Tour victory at the Tropheé Hassan II in Morocco. The 25-year-old from Bridgend added three runner-up finishes and ended the season ranked 18thin the Race to Dubai. Davies’ decorated resume also includes two victories on the European Challenge Tour in 2009 and runner-up finishes on the Asian Tour in 2008 and 2009. He has been praised by his peers as one of the tour’s best putters, generating enthusiasm for the future of one of the rising stars of European golf.
For the first time ever, gamers can step onto the hallowed grounds of Augusta National and experience the rich history and tradition of the Masters Tournament and begin their own journey to capture the most sought-after prize in professional golf – the Green Jacket. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 12 also features several renowned Championship courses including Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Australia), TPC San Antonio, St Andrews Links and Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The Masters editionwill go on sale in Europe on April 1, available on the Wii™, Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3, with support of the PlayStation® Move controller. The Masters and five additional courses will also be included in the Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 12 Collector’s Edition, developed exclusively for Sony PlayStation®3.
This year marks the 20thanniversary of a long-standing partnership between EA SPORTS and the PGA TOUR. Over the past two decades, EA SPORTS has introduced a series of immersive and authentic golf experiences across a variety of game platforms that has helped expand the popularity of the sport amongst fans. EA SPORTS growing golf portfolio includes the award-winning Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® franchise, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online and the recently announced EA SPORTS PGA TOUR® Golf Challenge for Facebook.
To see additional information regarding Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 12: The Masters, log on to http://www.easports.com/golf.