PGA of America: Check source before purchasing corporate hospitality

"Unauthorized hospitality packages reel people in at nearly every major event, sometimes providing customers an experience different than what they were sold," said Michael Belot, Director of the 2012 Ryder Cup. "We strongly encourage those interested in purchasing hospitality for the 2012 Ryder Cup to be aware of misleading packages."

Medinah, IL -- As excitement builds in the Chicago area about hosting the upcoming 2012 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America is advising local companies to check the source before purchasing corporate hospitality packages for the event, to be held Sept. 25 to Sept. 30, 2012 at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, IL. The PGA of America is the only source to offer official hospitality packages, and only official hospitality packages are on the actual event grounds at Medinah Country Club.

The Ryder Cup is golf's most patriotic and prestigious international team competition matching the top United States golf professionals against those of Europe, and due to high demand and limited availability, it has become common practice for independent entertainment companies to market unofficial hospitality packages to the local corporate community. These packages often falsely imply an affiliation with PGA of America and the 2012 Ryder Cup and do not provide access to the grounds of the tournament.

"Unauthorized hospitality packages reel people in at nearly every major event, sometimes providing customers an experience different than what they were sold," said Michael Belot, Director of the 2012 Ryder Cup. "We strongly encourage those interested in purchasing hospitality for the 2012 Ryder Cup to be aware of misleading packages."

As the only authorized sales force with official on-site 2012 Ryder Cup hospitality packages, the PGA of America has developed creative hospitality offerings at various price points for companies of all sizes. Packages are available to accommodate anywhere from 10-150 people per day. Hospitality packages are all-inclusive, providing a premium on-course experience with parking, food, beverages and alcohol. An added benefit for clients is the PGA's concierge service that can help with accommodations, ground transportation, and other entertainment options in the Chicago area.

"Midwest companies deserve a world-class experience, so we feel it's important to stress that the only way to get the full experience on the grounds of Medinah is through official hospitality packages sold by the PGA of America," said Don Larson, Medinah Country Club General Chair for 2012 Ryder Cup. "Businesses need to be cognizant of what they're actually paying for when buying a corporate hospitality package and need to know that the only way to entertain on the grounds is to work directly with the PGA of America."

A limited number of grounds tickets to the Ryder Cup will be sold to the general public. Given that the demand for tickets has historically exceeded the available inventory, individual tickets may only be purchased through an official random draw conducted by The PGA of America. Applications for the draw will be available in Spring 2011. 

For more information or questions regarding other hospitality sales offers, please contact Larry Sinclair, Sales Director for the Ryder Cup at 502-245-2000, lsinclair@pgahq.com or click here.

About the 2012 Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup, among the last great professional sporting events where winning, and not prize money, is its own reward, spans 37 competitions over 82 years. The competition was born in 1927, when enterprising English seed merchant Samuel Ryder commissioned the casting of a gold chalice that bears his name. The U.S. Team defeated Great Britain, 9½ to 2½, in the inaugural matches in Worcester, Mass.

Since then, the Ryder Cup has expanded to involve the finest players of Europe. Except for a span (1939-45) during World War II and following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks upon America, the Ryder Cup has been held biennially with the U.S. and Europe alternating as host.

About the PGA of America

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.