In a further sign of the closening relationship between the PGA TOUR and the European Tour, European Tour Destinations, a network of world-class golf venues which all have a close association with the European Tour has announced a new partnership with the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network that will enable members of clubs in either group to be able to play at any of the private and resort courses in both networks.
Owned, operated and licensed by the PGA TOUR, the TPC Network is comprised of more than 30 leading private, resort and daily fee venues that have hosted or has been designed to host Tour events. In addition to Sawgrass, among the most recognisable venues include TPC Summerlin in Texas, venue for last week’s Shriners Championship; TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, home of the Phoenix Open; TPC River Highlands in Connecticut which hosts the Travelers Championship, and TPC Sugarloaf in Georgia, venue the PGA Tour’s BellSouth Classic for many years, and more recently the Mitsubishi Electric Classic on the Champions Tour.
European Tour Destinations’ offers Europe Tour Packages and the network of clubs has risen to 28 golf clubs and resorts spread through 19 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. These include the likes of Quinta do Lago in Portugal, Le Golf National in France, PGA Catalunya in Spain, Verdura in Italy, Costa Navarino in Greece and Lighthouse in Bulgaria. London Golf Club in Kent is the only member of the ETD in the UK.
The partnership between the two networks means that members of the London Golf Club, for example, will be able to enjoy a round at TPC Network venue up to six times a year for no extra fee or at a 50% discounted rate, dependent of the venue. Sawgrass, home to the PGA Tour’s Players Championship, currently charges greens of over $600, while TPC Scottsdale charges around $400 a round, so there are some big savings to be made for London Golf Club members that are looking to organise a ‘bucket list’ golf break to the US.
“We are extremely excited to strengthen our relationship with European Tour Destinations,” said John Hugghins, Senior Vice President of TPC Network operations. “This partnership adds incredible value, as we can offer the most consistent level of experience at the highest rated golf courses – no matter where you are in the world.”
Ian Knox, Head of European Tour Destinations, said: “With the strengthening of relationships between our two Tours through our strategic alliance, working with the TPC Network seemed an obvious fit,” said “We are delighted that members at our network venues will now have access to the TPC Passport program and we look forward to welcoming TPC members to many of our world class destinations.”
For more details visit www.tpc.com and www.europeantourdestinations.com.