Defending Champion Tiger Woods Heads Field in 101st Western Open

Defending Champion Tiger Woods Heads Field in 101st Western Open
Press Release

Western Open Begins Second Century with Cialis(R) (tadalafil) as New Title Sponsor - LEMONT, Ill., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Defending champion Tiger Woods, the world's No. 1 golfer, will lead a talent-laden field in the Cialis Western Open, June 28-July 4, 2004, at Cog Hill Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois.

Following Woods' 2003 win in the historic 100th Western Open, in which he opened with a record-tying 63, the three-time champion indicated he would continue to make the Western Open a regular stop on his PGA TOUR schedule. "I grew up in the WGA. I played the Western Junior at Chicago Golf Club, played the Western Amateur just about every year. Then I played here (Cog Hill Golf Club) in the Western Open ... as an amateur," Woods said. "This place has been very special to me and the WGA has been very special. I've made a lot of friends."

This year begins the tournament's second century in existence, and also marks the introduction of a new title sponsor in Cialis, the oral erectile dysfunction drug marketed by Lilly ICOS with a duration of effectiveness of 36 hours. In January, officials from the PGA TOUR, WGA, and Lilly ICOS announced the product as the title sponsor of the Cialis Western Open through 2006. Lilly ICOS LLC is a joint venture between ICOS Corporation (Nasdaq: ICOS) and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY).

WGA Tournament Director John Kaczkowski expects widespread fan interest in Woods' only 2004 visit to Chicago. "With Tiger defending his title against many of the world's top golfers in our strong field, and Cialis debuting as our new title sponsor, we're preparing for one of the most successful events in the 101-year history of the Western Open," said Kaczkowski.

As part of a larger commitment to golf, Cialis will serve as the title sponsor of the Cialis Western Open through the 2006 event. In addition to making contributions to the WGA's Evans Scholars Foundation, the title sponsorship includes a distinctive on-site presence at this year's event featuring a series of interactive tents for fans. The on-site presence focuses on celebrating some of the event's most memorable moments, its rich history and tradition, as well as the enthusiastic fans who make the Western Open one of the best-attended events in the Chicago area each summer.

"The introduction of Cialis as the title sponsor represents the commitment of Lilly ICOS to the Western Open's long tradition of raising funds for caddie scholarships through the Evans Scholars Foundation," said Kaczkowski.

Top players expected to challenge Woods for the 101st Western Open title include Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, David Toms and Charles Howell III. Winners of three Majors in 2003 -- Mike Weir, Ben Curtis and Shaun Micheel -- also are expected to play. The field of 156 PGA TOUR professionals will be competing on Cog Hill's Course No. 4, rated one of the top 60 layouts in the country by Golf Digest, for a tournament-record $4.8 million purse. The winner will earn $864,000.

Cog Hill is serving as the host club of the Western Open for the 14th straight year. "We're fortunate to have Cog Hill as our partner," Kaczkowski stated. "We continue to enjoy an excellent relationship with the Jemsek family, owners of Cog Hill, and with the Cog Hill staff. They work extremely hard to consistently provide us with one of the top venues on the TOUR." The WGA's contract with Cog Hill extends through 2012.

The Western Open has drawn an average of nearly 200,000 fans a year to Cog Hill since 1997, the year Woods won his first Western Open title. "The golf fans in the Chicago area are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Many are second, third and fourth generation fans," Kaczkowski said. "They appreciate the skills professional golfers bring to the course today and understand the rich history and tradition of the Western Open."

First conducted by the WGA in 1899, the Western Open is the oldest tournament on the regular PGA TOUR and the second oldest in the nation. Only the U.S. Open, started in 1895, is older. Since the first championship in 1899, the WGA has held the Western Open annually except in 1900 and during the war years of 1918 and 1943-45. In the tournament's first 100 years, the list of champions has included the greatest names in professional golf: Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods.

Ticket Information

Cialis Western Open activities start Monday, June 28, with a Pro-Am on Course No. 4 and conclude with the final championship round on Sunday, July 4. Tickets for tournament days -- Thursday through Sunday -- are $37 in advance for daily tickets or $40 at the gate. Single day tickets for practice rounds -- Monday through Wednesday -- are $20. Weekly clubhouse badges are $100. Parking is free. To order single-day tickets, call Ticketmaster at 1-312-559-1212, visit our web site at: http://www.cialiswesternopen.com or visit the WGA Box Office at 1 Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029. To order VIP or group packages or badges, call the WGA at 1-847-724-4600.

All tournament proceeds benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides college scholarships to deserving caddies. More than 7,800 caddies have graduated from college as Evans Scholars. The WGA has administered the Evans Scholars Program since 1930.

About Cialis

Cialis, approved by the FDA in November 2003 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, is the first oral ED treatment shown to improve erectile function up to 36 hours in most men. Cialis can be taken without regard to food. The absorption of Cialis is not affected by food, including high-fat foods. Cialis is currently available in more than 55 countries including Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United States and countries throughout Europe. Nearly two million patients have been treated with Cialis since its first introduction in February 2003.

Cialis is available by prescription only and is not for everyone. Men taking nitrates, often used for chest pain, or certain alpha-blockers for prostate problems or high blood pressure, should not take Cialis. Such combinations could cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Men should discuss their health status with their doctors to ensure Cialis is right for them and that they are healthy enough for sexual activity. The most common side effects with Cialis were headache, upset stomach, backache and muscle ache. Although rare, men who experience an erection for more than 4 hours should seek immediate medical attention. Men should not drink alcohol in excess with Cialis. Cialis studies were not designed to assess multiple intercourse attempts after a single dose.

For full patient information, visit http://www.cialis.com .

About Lilly ICOS LLC

Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between ICOS Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company, developed tadalafil for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at http://www.lilly.com .

ICOS Corporation, a biotechnology company, is dedicated to bringing innovative therapeutics to patients. Headquartered in Bothell, Washington, ICOS is marketing its first product, Cialis(R) (tadalafil), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ICOS is working to develop treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry, management beliefs and certain assumptions made by the management of ICOS and Lilly. Investors are cautioned that matters subject to forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including economic, competitive, governmental, technological, legal and other factors discussed in the two companies' respective filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which may affect the business and prospects of the two companies and Lilly ICOS. Results and the timing and outcome of events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. More specifically, there can be no assurance that Cialis will achieve commercial success or that competing products will not pre-empt market opportunities that might exist for the product.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent ICOS' and Lilly's judgment as of the date of this release. ICOS and Lilly undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.