American Express Hits it True With Fan Access at the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club

American Express® Cardmembers and Fans Enjoy Enriched On-Site and At Home Golf Experiences

American Express Gives Fans a Shot at Legendary Merion Course in Downtown Philadelphia to Benefit The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia

NEW YORK - American Express is helping Philadelphia-area golf fans perfect their swing, get insider information on the best players and watch the action from the 2013 U.S. Open Championship whether they are at home, near downtown Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park or on the course at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA. The company is also making a donation to The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia to help develop the next generation of great American golfers.

“Golf is one of the few sports where fans are also players,” said Alexander Chang, vice president, American Express Sports and Entertainment Marketing. “Great events like the U.S. Open Championship allow us to help fans by putting a club in their hand, creating new ways to watch at home and introducing the game to the next generation of greats.”

Enhancing the Fan Experience On-Course at Merion Golf Club

Located in the spectator square near the main entrance to the course, the American Express Championship Experience provides even more ways for golf fans to get involved with the action of the U.S. Open, improve their own golf game and enjoy a truly customized experience, including:

• Golf fitness assessments with personalized techniques from expert golf trainer Sean Cochran
• One-on-one swing analyses and instruction from PGA of America Professionals
• USGA Museum memorabilia highlighting the four previous U.S. Open Championships held at Merion
• Cardmember service and USGA handicap education desks
• Complimentary CourseCast Radio earpieces featuring the ESPN Radio broadcast

American Express is once again offering premium access for Cardmembers at an exclusive hospitality chalet located just off the 6th hole offering prime views, complimentary food and beverage options and a comfortable place to relax and watch the Championship.

World Class Customer Service is on Par at U.S. Open
American Express Customer Care Professionals will be onsite at the Championship Experience and hospitality chalet delivering its special brand of Relationship Care® servicing to its customers and all attendees. Having deeply knowledgeable Customer Care Professionals onsite to answer inquiries about Card services and rewards helps ensure customers are taking full advantage of product benefits. As service is the cornerstone of the American Express brand, the event’s in-person servicing is another way the company takes care of its customers.

Fans At Home Get Closer to the Action with U.S. Open Social Stream
American Express has partnered with the USGA to sponsor the official online live stream of the U.S. Open Championship with continuous daily coverage (Thursday through Sunday) on USOpen.com and a live chat with exclusive commentators. The stream is available on desktop and mobile devices providing fans with exclusive insider analysis and on-course perspectives. Fans can also join the conversation and ask questions of the commentators by following #AmexGolf.

Downtown Philadelphia Activation and The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia
For the first time, American Express is bringing the history and magic of the storied grounds of Merion Golf Club to life through an interactive, golf experience on downtown Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park during U.S. Open Championship weekend. The American Express Merion Experience allows fans to walk in the shoes of past champions and attempt shots at five replicated U.S. Open at Merion moments, including Ben Hogan’s 1-Iron from 1950 and Lee Trevino’s winning putt at the 1971 Championship, as well as Merion bunker and wiry rough shots.

As part of its continued commitment to future generations of golf, American Express is donating $5 to the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia for each fan who participates in the American Express Merion Experience throughout the weekend (up to 75,000). With a minimum donation of $50,000, American Express is assisting with refurbishing the youth driving range facilities at Walnut Lane Golf Club, located outside of Philadelphia.

In addition to the 2013 programming, American Express is currently offering early access to daily and weekly Trophy Club tickets to the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort in the Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina. Cardmembers can visit americanexpress.com/entertainment for more information and purchase tickets until June 16.

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

About USGA
The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” charitable giving program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.

About The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia
The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is a youth development organization that provides youth with educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. The local chapter consists of teaching and playing facilities and instruction in the Greater Philadelphia area, including Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties.

For more information, visit www.thefirstteephiladelphia.org.