Old Mutual sponsors the first South African to win the PGA Masters golf tournament in 30 years

Trevor Immelman, Old Mutual sponsored PGA pro, proudly takes the green jacket by successfully leading the field from an opening round of 68 to finish three shots ahead of Tiger Woods at the PGA Master Golf tournament this weekend, making him the first South African to win this prestigious event in 30 years.

Trevor Immelman’s win at the 2008 Masters golf tournament this weekend is expected to be an exciting boost for the national branding campaign of Old Mutual US.

Immelman has proudly been sponsored by Old Mutual US for the last two years and acts as “promotional representative” for the Group, actively promoting the Old Mutual brand in the US. This promotional sponsorship ties in with the recent national advertising and branding campaign, launched nearly a year ago, where Old Mutual US announced the introduction of a strong, singular brand identity to position the business as a leading provider of insurance and asset management.

Immelman’s prominent profile is an ideal platform to further enhance the Old Mutual Brand in the USA. His sponsorship follows on from the Old Mutual’s initial primary sponsorship of the Tavistock Golf tournament which was implemented in March 2006,

It was conclusive that the combined sponsorship of Immelman along with the Tavistock cup was a perfect fit for the US operations, as the Tavistock event pits South Africans, Americans, Australians and several British competitors against one another in a high profile community-against-community competition. This was, at that time, ideally aligned to the Old Mutual business model (US–UK-SA).

Immelman’s Masters victory, his first major tournament win, catapults him to a place among the top golfers on the PGA TOUR today” said Bruce Parker, chief executive officer of Old Mutual Capital and Old Mutual Financial Network. “As one of the nation’s fastest growing providers of asset management solutions, life insurance and retirement income products, Old Mutual US is honored to be associated with such and outstanding young performer”.

Immelman’s South African heritage and the fact that he and his family have held Old Mutual products for a number of years, made the connection and sponsorship offering a perfect fit, for all parties.

This is Immelman’s first major title, with other career highlights including the PGA Rookie of the Year in 2006 and winning last year the Nedbank Challenge (anotherimpressive Old Mutual golfing sponsorship initiative)

Mr. Parker continued, “What is most impressive about Trevor is his integrity, humility and discipline. These traits accurately reflect Old Mutual’s corporate ethos and our commitment to help middle class families achieve a secure financial future”