Royal Bank of Scotland Launches Team RBS with Jack Nicklaus; Charles Howell III and Luke Donald Join the Golden Bear to Bolster RBS' Golf Marketing Campaign.

Business Editors

JUPITER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 2003

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) today launched "Team RBS," featuring Jack Nicklaus, Charles Howell III and Luke Donald.

Jack Nicklaus, widely considered the greatest golfer in the history of the sport, will partner with RBS as the world's fifth-largest bank raises its profile in the United States and builds a U.S. golf program to complement its major commitment in Europe. RBS has been involved with golf for more than a century through its association with The Open Championship in Britain. The RBS Group recently strengthened its links with UK and European golf by becoming the official bank of the PGA European Tour and of the 2002 Ryder Cup.

One of Jack's first acts for the RBS Group was to welcome Charles and Luke as the first two members of Team RBS.

"I have known both Charles and Luke for several years," Nicklaus said. "They are both winners of the Jack Nicklaus Award for being the top collegiate men's golfer, and I have had the opportunity to watch them grow and perform at the professional level. There are so many talented young golfers in the game today that it is difficult to make it to the top of our sport. Luke and Charles have the talent to do just that. I think you are going to hear a great deal about these two young men in the coming years, not only on the PGA Tour but in the major championships."

Howard Moody, RBS Director of Group Communications, added, "With Jack, we made the selections from a golf perspective, and we endorsed them because both players provide a fascinating insight into how to succeed.