SAN MATEO, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 20, 2014) - Franklin Templeton Investments today announced its sponsorship of Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) star Jessica Korda, winner of the LPGA's season opening event. Korda, 21, will wear Franklin Templeton Investments branded headwear at all LPGA golf tournaments across North America, Asia and Europe, beginning at this week's JTBC Founders Cup in Phoenix, AZ.

"I am excited to partner with Franklin Templeton Investments to help bring visibility to their brand around the world as I travel for the LPGA Tour," said Korda. "Like golf, investing takes skill and patience, which Franklin Templeton is known for. I'm proud to be associated with such a respected global brand."

"As a global investment management company, Franklin Templeton Investments is proud to sponsor Jessica Korda, a young woman with great promise and dedication who will be participating in premier golf events around the world," said Wendy Harrington, executive vice president and head of Global Marketing Services for Franklin Templeton Investments. "With her passion for excellence and discipline, she embodies the spirit of Franklin Templeton."

The partnership between Franklin Templeton and Korda allows the company to leverage her name and likeness for various marketing and advertising initiatives, including social media. Additionally, Franklin Templeton will sponsor meet-and-greet sessions with Korda at designated golf and other events.

Korda is a two-time LPGA winner and member of the 2013 U.S. Solheim Cup Team. Her successful amateur career included appearances on the 2009 U.S. Junior Solheim Cup Team and 2010 U.S. Curtis Cup Team, as well as making the cut at the U.S. Women's Open in 2008 and 2009. Since joining the LPGA Tour in 2011, the Bradenton, Florida native has enjoyed success winning the 2012 ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open and the 2014 Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Bissett, Fiduciary Trust, Darby, Balanced Equity Management and K2 investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 65 years of investment experience and over $882 billion in assets under management as of February 28, 2014. For more information, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN® or visit franklintempleton.com. 

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