Introducing the Preferred Golf Club:
One Club Opens the Door to Many of the World’s Top Resort Courses

Preferred Hotel Group and American Express Team Up
To Launch Exclusive Golf Membership Club for Cardmembers Only

CHICAGO – September 6, 2007 – Like a golf pro on the PGA circuit, American Express® Cardmembers can create their own legendary tour of the world’s greatest resort courses through the Preferred Golf Club™, a new exclusive opportunity with the Preferred Hotel Group. For an annual membership fee of $595, the Preferred Golf Club affords its members one complimentary round of golf per year at each of its participating resorts – an exalted list that spans both sides of the Atlantic and includes Ireland’s K Club Golf and Spa Resort, The Lodge at Sea Island, The Broadmoor, Mauna Lani Bay Resort, The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Ginn Reunion Beach Resort, Sandy Lane Resort, the Grand Del Mar and more.

"We look forward to introducing American Express Cardmembers to a growing number of world-class golf experiences as we continue to selectively add to our Preferred Golf Resorts portfolio," said Casey Ueberroth, Managing Director, Preferred Golf. "In addition, we will actively seek out opportunities to enhance their club membership through access to sought-after golf tournaments and exclusive offers from our travel and golf partners."

"Golf is an important element of our Cardmember's lifestyle and we are proud to partner with Preferred Hotel Group to deliver this distinctive golf experience. The Preferred Golf Club program is a unique, exclusive Cardmember benefit, combining a world-wide and world class network of golf resorts, and access to special events and offers," said Chris Cowan, vice president and general manager of lodging at American Express Merchant Services.

"Golf is an important element of our Cardmember's lifestyle and we are proud to partner with Preferred Hotel Group to deliver this distinctive golf experience. The Preferred Golf Club program is a unique, exclusive Cardmember benefit, combining a world-wide and world class network of golf resorts, and access to special events and offers," said Chris Cowan, Vice President and General Manager of Lodging at American Express Merchant Services.

Preferred Golf Club members enjoy the following valuable benefits:

• One complimentary round of golf annually at each of the Preferred Golf Club Resorts, based on a two-night min. stay.
• Club Concierge service to arrange tee times and assist with hotel reservations.
• Special members-only events, including exclusive access to golf tournaments.
• Exclusive offers from travel and golf partners, including travel packages, spa treatments, car rental, golf equipment and other luxury items.
• Automatic enrollment in the I Prefer™ Global Guest Benefit Program, which offers the following perks at all hotels and resorts within Preferred's four brands, including Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Preferred Boutique, Summit Hotels & Resorts and Sterling Hotels: room upgrade based on availability; priority early check-in and late check-out; complimentary Internet access (at most locations; restrictions apply); local hotel benefits that might include anything from complimentary valet parking to a specialty cocktail or discounted spa treatment; and exclusive offers promoted through the I Prefer newsletter and dedicated members-only website.

American Express Cardmembers can enroll online at www.preferredgolf.com as of September 6th. Upon joining, they will receive a membership card, a book of certificates, each of which can be redeemed for a complimentary round at one participating course, and a Preferred Golf Directory, listing all participating resorts. Currently the impressive list of Preferred Golf Resorts participating in the Club currently stands at 37 out of 45 members worldwide and continues to grow.

For hotel reservations and tee times, club members call the Preferred Golf Club Desk at 1-888-893-6697. The desk is staffed by Golf Club agents who will assist with securing preferred travel dates and times and who will work with the club member to insure each stay is a memorable one.

ABOUT PREFERRED HOTEL GROUP
Preferred Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry that delivers high-performance sales, marketing, and technology solutions to approx. 400 independent hotels and resorts in more than 60 countries around the world.

The four brands of Preferred Hotel Group represent a collection of the finest hotels in the world and include Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, (www.preferredhotels.com); Preferred Boutique (www.preferredboutique.com); Summit Hotels & Resorts (www.summithotels.com); and Sterling Hotels (www.sterlinghotels.com). Learn more at www.preferredhotelgroup.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
Merchant Services is the merchant network of American Express, which acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants around the globe, which welcome American Express-branded Cards. American Express Company is a leading global payments, network, travel and banking company founded in 1850.

CONTACT:
Nichole DiBenedetto / Laura Mooney
Middleton & Gendron, Inc.
+1 (212) 980-9231 / +1 (212) 980-9232
EMAIL: ndibenedetto@mg-pr.com / lmooney@mg-pr.com

Sarah B. Meron
American Express
+1 (212) 640-5503
EMAIL: sarah.b.meron@aexp.com

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