As excitement builds in Wisconsin about hosting the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Kohler, the PGA of America is advising local companies to check the source before purchasing corporate hospitality packages. The PGA of America is the only source to offer official hospitality packages, and only official hospitality packages are located on the actual event grounds at Whistling Straits.
The Ryder Cup, golf's most compelling event, matches the top 12 United States professional golfers against those of Europe. Due to high demand and limited availability, it has become common practice for independent companies to market unofficial hospitality packages to the local corporate community. These packages often falsely imply an affiliation with PGA of America and the 2020 Ryder Cup, and will not provide access to the grounds of the event.
Ryder Cup sales representatives have been fielding a number of calls from area companies that have received sales solicitations from unauthorized agents offering hospitality packages . So it bears repeating: The PGA of America is the only authorized sales team with official, on-site hospitality packages.
"Unauthorized hospitality packages reel people in at nearly every major event, providing customers an experience different than what they were sold," said Jason Mengel, Ryder Cup Director for the 2020 Ryder Cup. "to ensure that their clients, employees or guests experience is as desired, we strongly encourage those interested in purchasing hospitality for the 2020 Ryder Cup to be aware of misleading packages.”
The PGA of America will officially begin selling chalet, suites and reserved tables this month. Official hospitality packages are all-inclusive, providing a premium on-site experience with parking, food and beverage. An added benefit for clients is the PGA's concierge service, which can help with accommodations, ground transportation and other entertainment options in the region.
"The PGA of America is very excited to be hosting the Ryder Cup for the first time in Wisconsin and we encourage businesses to take advantage of this unique opportunity to entertain customers and prospects at various official hospitality areas on the golf course," said Mengel. "Even though the event is more than two years away, companies should respond quickly when sales begin in July to secure an official hospitality package that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis."
Not only are hospitality packages only available through the PGA of America, the same is true for individual admission. A limited number of grounds tickets to the 2020 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 become available in spring 2019.
For more information or questions regarding hospitality products and services, please contact hospitality sales representatives Larry Sinclair at 502-245-2000/lsinclair@pgahq.com or Nick Dockter at 920-565-6110/Nicholas.dockter@kohler.com.
For corporate partnership opportunities around the Ryder Cup, please contact John Handley at 678-707-1999 / jhandley@pgahq.com.
For more information about the Ryder Cup, visit rydercup.com, and for more information about the PGA of America, visit PGAMediaCenter.com.
