Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, have announced that it will sponsor the Tavistock Cup, one of golf's most exclusive tournaments, for the first time. Audi join a huge raft of big named sponsors, showing that the  event is bucking the trend in the current economic climate.

The competition, which is held annually in America and began in 2004, features 20 pro golfers on teams from the Isleworth and Lake Nona golf communities in Central Florida. This year, the Tavistock  Cup will contribute US$1 million through the Tavistock Foundation to the charity selected by  members of the winning team.

Attendance is limited to invited guests and the no-ropes gallery allows spectators to enjoy unsurpassed access to the world's great golfers.

Audi will contribute a 2009 Audi R8 to any golfer who makes a hole-in-one on the 17th hole, whilst their nine teammates will take home Audi A5 coupes. The winning team will win US$1 million whilst Tavistock Cup spectators will also be able to test out a range of Audi models in  a sponsored ride-and-drive programme.

"We are delighted to be participating in the Tavistock Cup this year," said Ian Bolin, the Audi general manager responsible for Central Florida. "The charitable good works and the connection that the tournament provides to many of the world's best golfers and golfing fans make it ideal for the progressive message Audi embodies."

The 2009 two-day event features returning captains Mark O’Meara and Ernie Els, along with a raft of big names in the sport, including Tiger Woods, Darren Clarke and Ian Poulter.