• by Nina Lentini  @Nina_Lentini, July 3, 2007

Two of Scotland's greatest gifts to the world - golf and Scotch - are joining forces.

Diageo's Johnnie Walker brand has teamed up with the Professional Golf Association's Jim Furyk, currently ranked third in the world, to promote the blended Scotch whisky brand for three years.

The two go way back. From 1999 to 2001, Johnnie Walker sponsored Furyk and his coach, Mike Furyk, who also is his father. In 1998, Furyk signed a deal with Johnnie Walker to represent the Johnnie Walker Menswear Collection for three seasons.

The iconic striding-man logo as well as Johnnie Walker Collection branding will appear on the back yoke of the neck of Furyk's golf shirt whenever he makes personal appearances and on the PGA Tour as well as at U.S. Golf Association events.

Golf fans and Johnnie Walker enthusiasts will also get a chance to play a round of golf with Furyk by entering a sweepstakes at johnniewalker.com/PlayWithJim from Thursday through Sept. 15. Furyk, the contest winner and two guests will play a round of golf at Saw Grass Golf Course in Florida. The round trip air fare as well as hotel accommodations for the threesome will be paid by Diageo.

Diageo will use POS materials in various markets around the country to promote the sweepstakes as well as its web site and through e-mail to members of the Striding Man Society, composed of brand loyalists. Initially, at least, the company will use public relations to generate awareness.

Furyk, one of the most dominant players in golf, currently ranks fifth in career earnings on the PGA Tour and has played in more than 345 events over a 13-year career. Most notably known for his unorthodox swing, he bounced back from a serious wrist injury in 2004 to get back on top of world rankings, where he is today.

Bill Topf, Johnnie Walker brand director, says Furyk's demeanor both on and off the course perfectly fits the brand. "He truly represents the core fundamentals of our 'Keep Walking' message," Topf said in a statement.

"It's great to rejoin the Johnnie Walker family," said Furyk, in the same news release. "The brand reflects a classic and refined lifestyle that mirrors my own."

Johnnie Walker also is associated with the Asia Pacific's premier golf event, the Johnnie Walker Classic, and the Johnnie Walker Championship in Gleneagles Scotland.

Norwalk, Conn.-based Diageo's other brands include Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.