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LAKESIDE, Calif. -- Nationwide Insurance and the PGA TOUR have created "Birdies for Relief," a program at the Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek that will donate a minimum of $200,000 to the Red Cross Fire Relief Fund, which has been established to provide direct support to victims of last week's fires that raged throughout San Diego County and other parts of southern California.

Nationwide Insurance and the PGA TOUR have pledged to donate $100 each for every birdie made during this week's Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek, for a total donation of $200 per birdie. Both organizations have committed to a guarantee of at least $100,000 each or $200,000 total. The four-round championship begins on Thursday and ends on Sunday.

Last Friday, the Century Club of San Diego, which is managing the Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek, announced the decision to grant free admission and encourage spectators to make a donation to the Red Cross Fire Relief Fund at the gate in lieu of a ticket purchase.

In addition, the Championship, via the Century Club of San Diego, extended invitations to San Diego firefighters to participate in the Barona Pro-Am and 28 will be participating, along with eight junior golfers from San Diego's First Tee Program, the Pro Kids Golf Academy. The pro-am spots became available when Nationwide donated them to concentrate their efforts on assisting customers and supporting local relief efforts. Each firefighter will be paired with a member of the Nationwide Tour.

"The PGA TOUR is excited to join Nationwide Insurance in supporting the Red Cross Fire Relief Fund via these two programs," said Nationwide Tour President Bill Calfee. "We're rooting for the players to post record scores this week as that will translate into a maximum 'Birdies for Relief' contribution.

"We're pleased to join Nationwide in participating and thank them for giving so many of the firefighters who braved the elements last week the chance to meet and have some fun with members of our Tour. We also wish to thank the Century Club for doing such a good job coordinating so many aspects of the tournament under what have been unique circumstances."

"The Century Club is thrilled at the Birdies for Relief program to be conducted by Nationwide Insurance and the PGA TOUR. They both have been incredible partners in helping us get through the devastation we have faced in San Diego," said Jeff Byroads, President and General Chairman of the Century Club. "We also felt the firefighters would enjoy the opportunity after such a grueling week to take a break and play in the Barona Pro-Am with the world's fastest-rising stars. And, we are certain the professionals will be very excited about the chance to play with our own local heroes."

The Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek is the Tour's season-ending event and features the top-60 money winners of the year, with the top 25 earning PGA TOUR cards for 2008 at the conclusion of play on Sunday.

The Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek is a partnership involving the Century Club of San Diego, Nationwide Insurance, the PGA TOUR's Nationwide Tour and Barona Creek Resort.