Phil Mickelson's family and on-air friends are looking for a few good fans -- and television co-stars -- to star alongside the PGA TOUR professional himself in a unique national TV ad campaign for Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts. National golf commentator and journalist David Feherty, Phil Mickelson's parents Phil, Sr. and Mary Mickelson, wife Amy Mickelson, and her parents Gary and Renee McBride today began a nationwide search by conducting casting calls to find avid golf fans to meet and star with Phil Mickelson in the hotel's upcoming TV ad campaign slated to air in April through September 2008.

Open casting calls were held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York City today, and future casting calls will be held at the Crowne Plaza San Diego on January 25 and at the Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills on January 29. All fans have the chance to participate and take part in the ultimate meeting with Phil Mickelson by submitting a story or video at ameetingwithphil.com until February 3, 2008.


In a series of six, 30-second TV spots, Mickelson will interact with real golf fans who share a love for the game -- and the PGA TOUR professional himself -- in an unscripted conversation. Meetings topics featured on the microsite and in the TV campaign will include:


-- Fans who have advice for Phil's game
-- People whose left hand has also taken them to greatness
-- Spectators who have been hit by one of Phil's golf balls
-- People who happen to look like Phil
-- Kids who might just be the next Phil Mickelson
-- Admirers who consider themselves Phil's biggest fans


"We're looking for fans who have a special reason to meet with Phil, like being his biggest fan, a look-alike, or even someone whose left hand has also taken them to greatness," said Amy Mickelson, wife of Phil Mickelson. "Phil's parents and I will be the judge of people who happen to look like Phil as nobody knows him better than we do. However, I'm pretty sure David Feherty will have a lot to say about those who have been hit by one of Phil's golf balls."


This year's TV ad campaign with Mickelson will support the brand's sponsorship of the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial as well as highlight Priority Club(R) Rewards and the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage(TM) program.


"Thanks to the Mickelson family and David Feherty, we will be able to bring a PGA TOUR champion together with his most avid fans in a humorous and unscripted meeting setting," said Gina LaBarre vice president, brand management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. "We believe the campaign will truly underscore that Crowne Plaza is "The Place to Meet," and resonate with our consumers who love golf."