Visa Signature Joins With Pinehurst Resort to Offer Affluent Cardholders the Golf Experience of a Lifetime

Business Wire, Feb 16, 2007

Relationship Gives Visa Signature Cardholders Access to Exclusive Packages and Reserved Tee Times at Historic Pinehurst and St. Andrews Courses

SAN FRANCISCO -- Visa USA today announced an agreement that gives Visa Signature cardholders special access to Pinehurst Resort, one of the top ten U.S. golf destinations, and the historic Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. Visa Signature cardholders can now enjoy benefits including preferred tee times at Pinehurst, as well as the opportunity to play at St. Andrews, one of golf's most historic courses.

"Enabling unique life experiences and providing benefits that align with cardholders' interests is a key element of Visa Signature," said Jennifer Schulz, vice president, consumer credit products, Visa USA. "Visa Signature cardholders are always looking for new and unique experiences, and with the addition of Pinehurst, they will now be able to create their own golfing memories at one of the most popular resorts in the world."

Exclusive Access to the "Cradle of American Golf"

At Pinehurst, Visa Signature cardholders can now experience exclusive benefits that speak to the passions of golf enthusiasts everywhere - ranging from preferred tee times to unique stay and play opportunities. Known by many golfers as the "Cradle of American Golf," Pinehurst boasts eight championship golf courses and has been the site of more single championships than any other course in the United States. Visa Signature cardholders can enjoy tee time access on Pinehurst No.2, site of the 2005 U.S. Open Championship, and experience the best golf Pinehurst can offer on its top 100-ranked championship courses, each time they stay at the fabled resort.

Available at www.visa.com/signature, the Pinehurst packages provide unique vacation experiences that open the doors to its prime assets: golf, nationally ranked spa and tennis facilities, upscale dining and accommodations. During their stay at Pinehurst, Visa Signature cardholders will have advance reservation opportunities for special packages and events, complimentary golf club rental, Internet access, spa amenities and special rates on future visits.

Unique Packages at Historic St. Andrews

Through Pinehurst's special relationship with St. Andrews and The Old Course Experience, Visa Signature cardholders have access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities with golf packages including a round on the fabled Old Course, site of the 2007 British Open Championship.

"Many sports enthusiasts dream of playing a round at Pinehurst and St. Andrews. We are pleased to partner with Visa to bring this unique opportunity to Visa Signature cardholders," said Peter Stilwell, director of business development at Pinehurst Resort.

Visa Signature Benefits

From benefits that save time, to benefits that safeguard purchases, Visa Signature helps cardholders get the most out of life. In addition to a choice of numerous airline, hotel and other premium reward partners, cardholders enjoy access to round-the-clock complimentary concierge services through the Visa Signature Concierge, exclusive reservations at the hottest restaurants, as well as premium merchant offers and access to exclusive events like the Kentucky Derby, Super Bowl, and the Tony Awards. Since the Visa Signature card is accepted at millions of merchants worldwide, cardholders have even more opportunities to make their Signature wishes come true.

For additional information about Visa Signature Pinehurst golf and tennis packages, and other offers from Visa Signature, please visit www.visa.com/signature.> About Visa

Visa USA is the nation's leading payment brand and largest payment system, enabling banks to provide their consumers and business customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives tailored to meet their evolving needs. Visa USA is committed to increasing the choice, convenience, acceptance and security of Visa payments for all stakeholders in the payment system -- members, cardholders and merchants. Through its 13,369 member financial institutions, more than 500 million Visa-branded cards have been issued to cardholders in the United States. Worldwide, cardholders in more than 150 countries carry more than 1 billion Visa-branded cards, accounting for more than $3 trillion in annual transaction volume. VisaNet, Visa's global processing system and the world's largest financial network, processes transactions with unparalleled reliability. Visa offers a trusted, reliable and convenient way to access and mobilize financial resources -- anytime, anywhere, anyway.

About Pinehurst Resorts

Located in the North Carolina heartland, world-renowned Pinehurst Resort is a 2,000-acre property featuring spa, golf, tennis, family activities and leisure recreation. Built in 1895, it has hosted such international events as the U.S Open Golf Championship and the U.S. Clay Court Tennis Championship. Among its many awards are #1 Resort by the readers of Travel Leisure Golf, and the coveted Mobil Four-Star Spa recognition, the only facility so designated in a three-state region. For more information on the resort, visit www.pinehurst.com.