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ATLANTA, Ga., -- AT&T has notified the PGA TOUR and the Atlanta Classic Foundation, host organization of the AT&T Classic at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., that it is exercising its option to discontinue as title sponsor after the 2008 tournament. AT&T will continue its significant charitable commitment, associated with its sponsorship of the tournament, through 2010.

Prior to its merger with AT&T, BellSouth had committed to a title sponsorship of the PGA TOUR's Atlanta stop through 2010, with an option to discontinue after each event with six month's notice.

"AT&T is a major sponsor of professional golf and various charities around the country, and while we are consolidating our sponsorships as it relates to golf, we are proud of our affiliation with the Atlanta Classic Foundation and very pleased to be a part of the greater Atlanta community," said Jamie Butcher, AT&T Vice President -- Sponsorships. "Our commitment to Atlanta's charities, associated with this sponsorship, will continue with significant donations in both 2009 and 2010. We thank the Atlanta Classic Foundation for its outstanding work on our behalf and for well-deserving charities throughout this community."

"While we are disappointed with the decision, we have enjoyed and appreciate our 20-year relationship with BellSouth and AT&T," said Dave Kaplan, Executive Director of the AT&T Classic. "We look forward to working with AT&T to ensure the 2008 event is the most successful to date, and we want to thank AT&T for its commitment to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta through the next three years. We will be working hard with the PGA TOUR to find a new title sponsor for this event."

"AT&T is a long-time supporter of the PGA TOUR and our tournaments, and we appreciate the strong commitment they have made to Atlanta over the years," said Henry Hughes, Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations, PGA TOUR. "Obviously, we're delighted that AT&T will continue their support of other PGA TOUR and Champions Tour events. As it relates to the Atlanta market, we're looking forward to exploring all avenues for continuing sponsorship."

The 2008 AT&T Classic will be held May 12-18 and will celebrate its 40th year. Two-time winner Zach Johnson is the defending champion. Since 1983, the tournament has donated more than $16 million to local charitable organizations.

In addition to the AT&T Classic, AT&T sponsors several other golf tournaments, including the Masters Tournament, AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, AT&T National hosted by Tiger Woods, two Champions Tour events in San Antonio and Los Angeles and Tiger Jam presented by AT&T.