June 5, 2008 -- BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. -- The PGA Championship History Exhibit presented by RBS, a collection of memorabilia that showcases the winners of the season's final major, was unveiled Wednesday at the Cranbrook Institute of Science.

David Webb, RBS Head of Group Sponsorship, joins Joe Steranka, CEO of The PGA of America, and Michael Stafford, Director of the Cranbrook Institute of Science, for the ribbon cutting at the PGA Championship Exhibit. (photo: The PGA of America)

The exhibit, which debuted in 2000 in Louisville, connects new audiences of golf enthusiasts with the history and tradition of The PGA of America's premier championship. From its origin in 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y., the PGA Championship has enshrined 89 PGA Champions. The exhibit, which marks its eighth consecutive visit to a community that will host a PGA Championship, features golf artifacts and signature memorabilia that were a significant part of a player's major triumph.

The PGA Championship History Exhibit presented by RBS will be on display at the Cranbrook Institute of Science through July 30 with no admission charge. Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday. A portion of the exhibit, including interactive elements, will be brought on site, Aug. 4-10, during the 90th PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich.

From the driver used by Jim Barnes in 1916, to a walking stick carried by five-time Champion Walter Hagen, to a signature straw hat of Sam Snead, to a putter that lifted Jack Nicklaus to his fifth title in 1980; to the shirt and shoes worn by four-time Champion Tiger Woods in his epic 2000 Championship playoff victory over Bob May, The PGA Championship History Exhibit presented by RBS also provides the story of those PGA Championship moments in attractive museum-quality cases.

"The PGA of America is proud to have RBS as its first Official Patron as we both celebrate the history of the game of golf," said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka, who joined in the exhibit ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The exhibit allows golf enthusiasts a glimpse into the history of golf along with the evolution of fashion, equipment and the game of golf. The PGA of America is proud to display this exhibit at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, which allows us an opportunity to share the history of a major championship in the local community."

The Cranbrook Institute of Science, with more than 200,000 visitors annually, is one of the region's best-known museums of natural history.

"The Cranbrook Institute of Science is delighted to host the PGA Championship History Exhibit presented by RBS. The intersection between golf and science is a perfect fit for our Institute," said Michael Stafford, director of Cranbrook Institute. "Golf is science, and it is our hope that the exhibit sparks excitement for the PGA Championship and fans around the world."

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is the first PGA of America Official Patron, the highest level of partnership and designation ever granted by the world's largest working sports organization, and is the Official Bank of the PGA Championship.

"RBS is proud of its relationship with The PGA of America and our association with the PGA Championship History Exhibit," said David Webb, RBS head of sponsorship group communications. "It is a tremendous way for us to be a part of this great Championship."

About The Royal Bank of Scotland Group

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group ("RBS Group") is one of the world's leading financial services companies providing a range of retail and corporate banking, financial markets, consumer finance, insurance, and wealth management services. In 2006, RBS Group posted total revenue of $51.6 billion and operating profit before tax, goodwill amortization and integration costs of $17.4 billion. RBS Group serves more than 36 million personal customers world-wide and employs more than 140,000 people, including nearly 30,000 in the U.S. In the U.S., RBS Group owns Citizens Financial Group (retail bank, credit card and merchant acquiring businesses). Following the acquisition of Charter One in September 2004 it has grown to become the eighth largest U.S. bank by deposits with a presence in 13 states.

About The Cranbrook Institute of Science

Founded in 1904 by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth, the Cranbrook Institute is an internationally renowned center for art, education and science located in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The Cranbrook Institute of Science is an integral part of that community, having served area schoolchildren and families since its permanent location was established in 1930.

About The PGA of America

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry. y creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry. The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.