CITIBANK TEAMS WITH JACK NICKLAUS FOR GOLDEN BEAR VISA CARD

          Citibank and Golden Bear Golf Inc. today announced the
     launch of the Citibank Jack Nicklaus Visa Card, which will
     be offered as a Citibank Platinum Select Card.  The card
     features Nicklaus' signature across the front and an etching
     of the 12th hole at CO's Castle Pines, a Nicklaus designed
     course.  Cardmembers will receive special offers, including
     previews of new equipment/clothing, and during the first
     year, cardmembers will also receive an entry in the monthly
     Nicklaus Sweepstakes for every purchase with the card. 
     Prizes include trips to Nicklaus Collection Resorts and
     chances to play a round of golf with Nicklaus.  For a $35
     annual fee, cardmembers can participate in the "Nicklaus
     Reward Program," which awards points for card purchases that
     can be redeemed for instruction at the Nicklaus/Flick Golf
     School, golf vacations, Nicklaus golf equipment, apparel,
     Rockport golf shoes and Maxfli balls (Citibank).
          ON TIGER'S TRAIL: In N.Y., Beth Piskora writes that the
     deal "is intended to compete directly with" AmEx, which
     recently signed Tiger Woods.  Piskora also reports that
     Citibank/Visa "intend to use the tagline 'Golfer of the
     Century'" in the promo campaign (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/8).
          SUDDEN IMPACT? AD AGE's Jensen & Arndorfer write that
     although the Nicklaus affinity card "may not draw younger
     consumers, it stands to reap gains among more upscale
     cardholders."  Dennis Shea, Managing Dir of credit card
     consultancy Auriemma Consulting: "The person who plays golf
     in America is the demo that credit card marketers would like
     to attract.  And the Nicklaus name to a golfer is as good as
     Michael Jordan is to a sports fan" (AD AGE, 7/7 issue).