The Official Open Championship Hospitality attend O2 Golf LIVE (February 2010)

The Official Open Championship Hospitality, the Championship's official hospitality partner, is delighted to announce that they will attend O2 Golf Live at Stoke Park, Berkshire, 14-16 May 2010.

O2 Golf LIVE is a brand new addition to the golfing calendar. This unique event will deliver unprecedented access to the world of golf. Get inside the heads of the world's best players including Colin Montgomerie, Paul Casey, Retief Goosen and Ian Poulter in their very own Masterclass theatres. You will also be able to enjoy intimate access to a three-hole pro/celebrity tournament, test the latest kit and equipment from the best brands, receive expert tuition from world-renowned PGA professionals and compete against other visitors at the hole-in-one challenge. If you're into golf, this is an event you cannot afford to miss.

James Goode, the director of Golf LIVE said: 'We are delighted that The Official Open Championship Hospitality has joined what is set to be a celebration of golf for London and the South East. It is great for our visitors to have the ability to engage with a brand that has such a history of working with the best golf events in the world. We are excited to be working with The Official Open Championship Hospitality and believe this will be the start of a long working relationship.'

The Official Open Championship Hospitality will have a stand at the show, which will showcase the fabulous packages that will be available at The Open Championship. The team are aspiring to make the anniversary Official Hospitality and the Championship an unforgettable event. The Championship is celebrating its 150th anniversary this July.  The innovations for this year include a new-look hospitality village, a celebratory menu featuring top quality Scottish produce, and a Clubhouse package which offers an intimate club-style facility in the hospitality village, with informal areas for eating and relaxing throughout the day. Also, to make it a special anniversary and to enhance the experience, the team have appointed golfing legend and Past Open Champion Tony Jacklin as Official Hospitality Ambassador.

The ultimate luxury package for 2010 is The Road Hole VIP Fine Dining package, located on the top floor of the Old Course Hotel, a must-visit gourmet destination for all food lovers.  The restaurant and bar, awarded Whisky Bar of the World 2008 in the 'Icons of Whisky', with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and an open deck, is the most attractive place to watch the world's best golfers take on the renowned Road Hole. The package also includes reserved seats at the 17th grandstand.

Guests will be given the opportunity to rub shoulders with golfing legend Tony Jacklin, the Official Hospitality Ambassador, at this year's Open Championship Sportsman's Dinner on the 14th July 2010 and for the duration of the competition in the Clubhouse in the Hospitality Village. On one day only, 14 July 2010, watch and walk the course with past champions as they play four holes of the historic Old Course, and then join guest speaker Tony Jacklin in the evening for a champagne reception and celebratory 'Sportsman's Dinner' in The R&A Links Restaurant beside the 1st Tee.

The Official Open Championship Hospitality packages start from £440.60 per person, inclusive of VAT at current rate. To find out more about the packages available at the 2010 Open Championship, view our Open Golf Hospitality Packages.

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

Golfing legend Tony Jacklin named Official Hospitality Ambassador at The Open Championship (January 2010)

The Official Open Championship Hospitality, in partnership with The R&A, are delighted to announce the past Open Champion Tony Jacklin as the Official Hospitality Ambassador.

As part of a unique celebration package to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of The Open Championship when it returns to St Andrews in July 2010, official hospitality guests will be given the opportunity to rub shoulders with golfing legend Tony Jacklin.

Tony Jacklin revitalised British and, ultimately, European golf with his extraordinary accomplishments. At the age of 26, he made history by breaking numerous British golf performance records. At the top of the world of golf in the summer of 1969, Jacklin won The Open Championship and the following year he won the U.S. Open. In addition to playing in seven Ryder Cups, he captained Europe in four consecutive matches from 1983 to 1989, leading the team to their first victory for 28 years in 1985, and to their first ever victory in the United States in 1987. He is recognised as a man who transformed golf in Europe by giving the talented young players of the day, many of whom are household names today, the inspiration and confidence they required to realise their full potential.

Tony Jacklin commented "The Open is extremely special for me and I am delighted to be the Official Hospitality Ambassador at The Open Championship in this historic year. I look forward to welcoming you at The Open in July this year."

Each day (15 – 18 July 2010) at lunch time, Tony Jacklin will arrive at the Clubhouse in the Hospitality Village to discuss the Championship's progress and take questions. The Clubhouse is a premier package in the Hospitality Village, hosted in a specially designed, intimate club-style facility. Follow your favourite player on the links and then retire to the comfort and sanctuary of the Clubhouse, with informal areas for eating and relaxing throughout the day. Guests will get an opportunity to hear from Tony Jacklin, get his autograph or pose for pictures with this golfing legend.

Choose from the a la carte menu or keep coming back to graze from the scrumptious tapas style menu selection. The food will be inspired by Scotland's wealth of flavoursome produce and her long association with France. The executive chef will take traditional dishes and serve them with a contemporary twist. A full wine list and a fully stocked bar is also available.

The Clubhouse Package costs £460 per person, plus VAT. To find out more about the packages available at the 2010 Open Championship, view our Open Golf Hospitality Packages.

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

Rare opportunity to meet golfing legend Tony Jacklin at The Open Championship Sportsman's Dinner (January 2010)

The Official Open Championship Hospitality, in partnership with The R&A, are delighted to announce the past Open Champion Tony Jacklin as the Official Hospitality Ambassador and guest speaker at this yea's Open Championship Sportsman's Dinner on the 14th July 2010.

As part of a unique celebration package to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Open Championship, when it returns to St Andrews in July 2010, guests will be given the opportunity to rub shoulders with golfing legend Tony Jacklin at the celebratory Sportsman's Dinner.

On one day only, 14 July 2010, watch and walk the course with past champions as they play on the historic Old Course and join guest speaker Tony Jacklin in the evening for a champagne reception and celebratory 'Sportsman's Dinner' in The R&A Links Restaurant beside the 1st Tee.

Tony Jacklin commented: "I am proud to be the Official Hospitality Ambassador at The Open Championship in this historic year. The Open is extremely special for me and I am delighted that the level of services for the anniversary year is of an exceptional quality and look forward to welcoming you at The Open in July."

Tony Jacklin revitalised British and, ultimately, European golf with his extraordinary accomplishments. At the age of 26, he made history by breaking numerous British golf performance records. At the top of the world of golf in the summer of 1969, Jacklin won The Open Championship and the following year he won the U.S. Open. In addition to playing in seven Ryder Cups, he captained Europe in four consecutive matches from 1983 to 1989, leading the team to their first victory for 28 years in 1985, and to their first ever victory in the United States in 1987. He is recognised as a man who transformed golf in Europe by giving the talented young players of the day, many of whom are household names today, the inspiration and confidence they required to realise their full potential.

The celebration will commence on Wednesday 14 July, the eve of the 2010 Open Championship, when past Open Champions will play four holes on the Old Course – the 1st, 2nd, 17th and 18th – in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of golf's oldest Major. An invitation to compete has been extended to all 32 living Open Champions. The first group will tee-off around 4pm and the event will conclude by 6pm. The winners of the Challenge, which will be broadcast by the BBC, will receive prize money to donate to a charity of their choice.

At 6:15 pm guests will retire for a champagne and canapé reception followed by the four-course, sit-down Sportsman's Dinner accompanied by fine wines. BBC sports commentator John Inverdale, who will host the evening, will introduce former champion Tony Jacklin as the guest speaker to make this one evening even more special than ever. Guests at the dinner will be invited to take home an exclusive 150th Anniversary gift to remember this special commemorative year.

"The Open Champions Challenge in 2000 was a great success and we expect it to be so again a decade on in 2010," said David Hill, The R&A's Director of Championships. "We hope that the majority of our former Champions will accept the invitation and join us in St Andrews to help commemorate this very special occasion."

The Sportsman's Dinner costs £299 per person, plus VAT. To find out more about the packages available at the 2010 Open Championship, view our Open Golf Hospitality Packages.

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

The 2010 Open – an appetising blend of old and new
(January 2010)

2010 marks the 150th Anniversary of The Open Championship and to make the event a memorable one The R&A and the official hospitality team have pulled together elements from golfing history and the host nation to mark the occasion.

The event will be a glorious celebration of past and present including a parade of past champions. Official caterer, Sodexo Prestige, the official caterer will be complimenting the celebrations with top quality Scottish food, fresh produce, warm hospitality and a taste of history into its hospitality packages.

150 years ago it was not the same event as we see today, it was much more of a competition rather than global golfing event. The first prize was the Challenge Belt, subscribed for by members of Prestwick Golf Club. Clubs around England and Scotland were each invited to send no more than three professional players to compete. There was no prize money, but the winner received custody of the Belt for the year.

The food served during the early days of golf was very formal and in essence quite a banquet. This reinforced the fact that those who played the game at this time were the privileged few, who could afford to do so and was seen as a measure of status. As the number of societies and clubs developed, and more and more people played the game the nature of the sport changed.

The meals for guests in 2010 will include the very best locally sourced fare, used to complete menus celebrating traditional Scottish food, with a contemporary twist. Scottish ingredients including potted game, hams and beef will be freshly prepared on site and available throughout the day with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea all provided as part of the unique anniversary packages. These include The Road Hole VIP Fine Dining package, located on the top floor of the Old Course Hotel, a must-visit gourmet destination for all food lovers.  The restaurant and bar, awarded Whisky Bar of the World 2008 in the 'Icons of Whisky', with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and an open deck is the most attractive place to watch the world's best golfers take on the renowned Road Hole. The package also includes reserved grandstand seats at the 17th Grandstand.

Alternatively, the exclusive Clubhouse packages in the tented Hospitality Village are an innovation which was introduced in 2009, offering flexibility throughout the day. Follow your favourite player on the links and then retire to the comfort and sanctuary of the Clubhouse, with informal areas for eating and relaxing throughout the day.

Packages start from £432.00 per person, inclusive of VAT at current rate. Refer to Open Golf Hospitality packages for more details.

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

The Open Official Hospitality joins International Association of Golf Tour Operators
(January 2010)

As part of a unique programme to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of The Open Championship when it returns to the Home of Golf at St Andrews in July 2010, The Open Official Hospitality is delighted to announce that it has joined the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO commented "We are delighted to welcome The Open Official Hospitality to our Association in this prestigious year. One of our core objectives is to ensure that the golf traveller can enjoy the best possible experience, and we are therefore delighted with the contribution that The Open Official Hospitality is making with its range of unique functions that will enable visitors to create their very own truly unforgettable experience. IAGTO golf tour operators will also be able to incorporate various hospitality options into their holiday packages."

IAGTO is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry. Established in 1997, IAGTO's membership comprises 1395 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 80 countries including, at its core, 341 specialist golf tour operators in 51 countries. It is estimated that IAGTO's operators control over 80% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide outside of Asia and turnover more than €1 billion per year.

David MacCallum, Director of Sales for The Open Official Hospitality commented "We are delighted to be joining IAGTO. This partnership offers an unrivalled opportunity to attract overseas visitors and promote the Championship".

2010 is a very special year for The Open Championship and to mark this historic occasion, The Official Hospitality team are ensuring the championship is equally remembered as a celebration of Scottish food, hospitality and produce. The Open Championship Official Hospitality will reveal a unique programme of events and packages to celebrate the Championship's anniversary including; The Sportsman's Dinner on Wednesday 14 July 2010, The Road Hole VIP Fine Dining package located on the top floor of the Old Course Hotel and the newly introduced exclusive Clubhouse packages in the Hospitality Village. Dining throughout the day will be of the highest calibre with the very best, locally sourced fare, used to complete a menu celebrating traditional Scottish food, with a contemporary twist.

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

Rare opportunity to watch past champions play on the Historic Old Course followed by once in a lifetime 'Sportsman's Dinner'
(Dec 2009)

The Official Open Championship Hospitality, in partnership with The R&A, has designed a unique celebration package to commemorate the 150th year of The Open Championship when it returns to St. Andrews in July 2010.

On one day only, 14 July 2010, watch the past champions play on The historic Old Course and join a guest speaker from the world of golf in the evening for a champagne reception and celebratory 'Sportsman's Dinner' in The R&A Links Restaurant beside 1st Tee.

The celebration will commence on Wednesday 14 July, the eve of the 2010 Open Championship, when past Open Champions will play four holes on The Old Course – the 1st, 2nd, 17th and 18th – in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of golf's oldest Major. An invitation to compete has been extended to all 32 living Open Champions. The first group will tee-off around 4pm and the event will conclude by 6pm. The winners of the Challenge, which will be screened live by the BBC, will receive prize money to donate to a charity of their choice.

"The Open Champions' Challenge in 2000 was a great success and we expect it to be so again a decade on in 2010," said David Hill, The R&A's Director of Championships. "We hope that the majority of our former Champions will accept the invitation and join us in St Andrews to help commemorate this very special occasion."

At 6:15 pm guests will retire for a champagne and canapé reception followed by the four-course, sit-down Sportsman's Dinner accompanied by fine wines. Be entertained by a guest speaker from the world of golf to make this one evening even more special and take home an exclusive 150th anniversary gift to remember this special commerative year.

The Sportsman's Dinner costs £351.33 per person, inc VAT.
Full package details >>

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

The Open Championship comes to the Ritz Club
(November 2009)

The Open Championship Official Hospitality team was delighted to welcome guests to The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, and The Ritz Club and Casino in London to give guests and prospective clients a chance to taste what The Open Official Hospitality has to offer.

In July next year, The Open Championship returns home to St Andrews to celebrate its 150th anniversary. To mark this historic occasion, The Open Championship Official Hospitality revealed a unique programme of celebration events and packages at two drinks receptions to ensure that The Championship is equally remembered as a celebration of fine dining, with Scottish produce at the forefront of this.

The stunning Ritz Club and Casino in London, for clients in the south, was chosen to reflect the exclusive world class nature of Open Championship Hospitality, meanwhile clients in Scotland enjoyed an evening at The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews which will host much of The Open Official Hospitality and boasts panoramic views over the world's most famous golf course and the beautiful east coast of Scotland.

Dining throughout the day at The Open Championship will be of the highest caliber, with the very best locally sourced fare used to complete a menu celebrating traditional Scottish food with a contemporary twist. Scottish ingredients including potted game, ham and beef will be freshly prepared on site and available throughout the day with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea all provided as part of the unique anniversary packages.

With direct access to The Championship golf course, the Open Official Hospitality offers the perfect setting for your day at The Open. Hosted by the professional events team, you will be close to the action. The packages include entrance tickets and full day hospitality, variable dependant on the chosen package.

Be aware of unofficial hospitality companies who are selling packages off site. This will be plentiful at St Andrews and very disappointing for customers who think that they will be able to enjoy the hospitality facilities on the course. Only with The Open Official Hospitality will you have access to the hospitality facilities on the course and guarantee the best food and service whilst being close to the action.

Sodexo Prestige, the official caterer to The Open, was delighted with their results at Turnberry this year. Considerable investment went into creating a new standard in sporting hospitality with designer marquees, top class hostesses, a business centre and private gardens on site. The company operated various styles of catering at Turnberry including public restaurants, VIP Hospitality and catering for the world's media. On the Championship days Sodexo Prestige served over 3000 freshly prepared meals, with 35 chefs, 20 managers and up to 120 staff on-site. These figures look to be surpassed in 2010, when The Open Championship returns to St Andrews.

Delighted visitors will be left in no doubt about where they are in the world. The Open Official Hospitality, in conjunction with The R&A looks forward to welcoming you to St Andrews in 2010.

Sodexo Prestige releases Open Championship Hospitality results from Turnberry 2009
(Oct 2009)

Sodexo Prestige today released their results from The Open Championship Hospitality held at Turnberry. The catering company was delighted with their results at Turnberry this year, where guests of official corporate hospitality at the 2009 Open Championship were treated to a real 'taste of Scotland' with menus highlighting their Scottish provenance.

Considerable investment went into creating a new standard in sporting hospitality with designer marquees, top class hostesses, a business centre and private gardens on site.

Sodexo Prestige operated various styles of catering at Turnberry including public restaurants, VIP Hospitality and catering for the world's media. On the Championship days Sodexo served over 3000 freshly prepared meals, with 35 chefs, 20 managers and up to 120 staff on-site. The catering and hospitality events team were on-site for 14 days setting up, operating and taking down after the Championship. With the site being operational between 5.30 - 21.00 and all deliveries requiring to be completed before 6.30am each day, chefs were on-site at 4am to greet the delivery vehicles. For the 2009 Open Championship, 70% of Prestige Scotland's staff were recruited locally in Ayr through the job centre and local colleges, similar practices will occur again for the 2010 Open Championship in St Andrews.

In the public areas at Turnberry over 21,000 hot drinks were served, 8,000 bacon baps devoured, 55,000 pints of beer sunk, 807 bottles of champagne uncorked, 1200 shots of whiskey poured, 7,000 chocolate bars eaten and 33,000 soft drinks enjoyed. Sodexo Prestige worked closely with Visit Scotland to celebrate the Homecoming in the public catering and hospitality areas. The Taste of Scotland bar offered local seafood, pates, terrines and meats, while more formal menus specifically chosen Highland beef, Perthshire berries, Shetland salmon and Border lamb, along with delicious Arran cheeses, chutneys and oatcakes.

These figures look to be surpassed in 2010, with The Open Championship returning to 'The Home of Golf' - St Andrews to commemorate 150 years of the Championship. To mark this historic occasion, The Official Hospitality team will reveal a unique programme of events and packages, ensuring that The Championship is equally remembered as a celebration of fine dining with Scottish produce at the forefront of this.

Sue Creed, Director of Events for Sodexo Prestige, commented "2010 is a very special year, when The Open Championship celebrates its 150th anniversary. You are about to witness one of golf's greatest spectacles and you can make this an occasion never to be forgotten with The Open Championship Official Hospitality. From the moment you arrive here in the 'auld grey toon' you can relax, knowing that you are in the hands of professionals both on and off the course."

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

The Open Championship Official Hospitality 2010 announce unique programme of events to mark historic anniversary
(July 2009)

2010 is a very special year, when The Open Championship celebrates its 150th anniversary. To mark this historic occasion, The Official Hospitality team are ensuring the championship is equally remembered as a celebration of Scottish food, hospitality and produce.

The game's greatest championship returns to the Old Course, St Andrews, 'The Home of Golf', in 2010 where The Open Championship Official Hospitality will reveal a unique programme of events to celebrate The Championship's anniversary. This includes The Sportsman's Dinner in The Links Restaurant, beside the 1st tee, on Wednesday, 14 July 2010. Guests will have an opportunity to watch past Open champions as they play 1, 2, 17 and 18 on the Old Course. In the evening guests will retire for dinner to the Links restaurant where a guest speaker from the world of golf will provide after dinner entertainment.

Another exclusive celebration package on offer is The Road Hole VIP Fine Dining, located on the top floor of the Old Course Hotel, a must-visit gourmet destination for all food lovers.  The restaurant offers panoramic views over the world's most famous golf course and the beautiful east coast of Scotland. The restaurant and bar, awarded Whisky Bar of the World 2008 in the 'Icons of Whisky', with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and an open deck is the most attractive place to watch the world's best golfers take on the renowned Road Hole. The package also includes reserved grandstand seats at the 17th or 18th reserved Grandstands.

Alternatively, try the exclusive Clubhouse packages in the Hospitality Village. An innovation introduced in 2009, this package offers flexibility throughout the day. Follow your favourite player on the links and then retire to the comfort and sanctuary of the Clubhouse, with informal areas for eating and relaxing throughout the day. Choose from the a la carte menu or keep coming back to graze from our scrumptious tapas style menu selection and delicious Scottish seafood. New for 2010, Clubhouse guests will get an opportunity to hear from a golfing great at some point during the day, get their autograph or pose for pictures.

David Hill, Director of Championships, commented "2010 is a very special year, when The Open Championship celebrates its 150th anniversary. You are about to witness one of golf's greatest spectacles and you can make this an occasion never to be forgotten with The Open Championship Official Hospitality. From the moment you arrive here in the 'auld grey toon' you can relax, knowing that you are in the hands of professionals both on and off the course."

Dining throughout the day will be of the highest calibre with the very best, locally sourced fare, used to complete a menu celebrating traditional Scottish food, with a contemporary twist. Scottish ingredients including potted game, hams and beef will be freshly prepared on site and available throughout the day with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea all provided as part of the unique anniversary packages.

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Ginny Lawson on 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.

The Open Hospitality Looks to Dazzle at Turnberry (June 2009)

The Open Official Hospitality has this week unveiled the new look Hospitality Village for this year's event, fully staffed with stylish hostesses set to cater for over 5,000 corporate guests attending the 138th Open Championship, taking place at Turnberry 16 – 19 July 2009.

The Hospitality Village has been newly designed and styled to recreate a clubhouse experience, calling on the expertise of temporary structure experts Arena Structures and with hostesses supplied by leading Scottish based agency Colours.  The two specialists bring sporting hospitality experience from some of the biggest events in the UK and beyond.

"The Hospitality Village at The Open represents the very finest in contemporary and stylish sports hospitality, the work both Arena Structures and Colours Agency have done will ensure a welcoming environment guests will want to relax in.” comments David MacCallum, Director of Sales for The Open Official Hospitality. “This is the first year of us operating the entire contract and we wanted to invest more in the customer experience and ensure our clients continue to return to The Open in years to come."

"The Hospitality Village has been designed for build at the highest possible specification," comments Ron Smith Projects Director of Arena Structures. "We want to create a lounge experience where guest can dine on fine food in a relaxing, clubhouse style environment. Windows will give panoramic views across the course and ensure the area complements its stunning surroundings."

"We are thrilled and delighted to be part of such as major international event," comments Alison Bruce from Colours Agency. "Our hostesses will provide a professional and efficient service throughout the day. Each hostess has been selected because of their knowledge of the event and the area, ensuring each guest gets a warm welcome and VIP service throughout the day."

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Alistair Turner at Davies Tanner on 01892 619100 or email alistair.turner@daviestanner.co.uk.

Once in a Lifetime Hospitality Announced for The Open (June 2009)

This week The Open Official Hospitality has announced a new once in a lifetime and completely exclusive opportunity for corporate customers to get the very best seats on the course at the 138th Open Championship, taking place 16 – 19 July 2009 at Turnberry.

The course, home to some of the most dramatic scenes in the tournament's history is set to welcome the arrival of thousands of fans from across the globe, and with Woods looking to halt Harrington's pursuit of an unprecedented three wins in a row, The Open Official Hospitality team are ensuring the competition is equally remembered, in this Homecoming year, as a celebration of Scottish food, hospitality and produce.

The new package includes full day hospitality served in the Tappie Toorie restaurant, located in the clubhouse at Turnberry, which overlooks the drama and excitement of the 18th Hole of the course. Nowhere else on the course is better situated to witness both the drama of the tournament, and the behind-the-scenes tension with the international stars of one of golf's premier tournaments.

Exclusive access has never before been open to the corporate world and is only available on the 18th and 19th July at Turnberry. The offer includes the Official Open Championship admission badge, car parking, champagne reception, full day catering, complimentary all day bar, souvenir programmes and Order of Play details.

Dining throughout the day will be of the highest calibre with the very best, locally sourced fare, used to complete a menu celebrating traditional Scottish food, with a contemporary twist. Scottish ingredients including potted game, hams and beef will be freshly prepared on site and available throughout the day with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea all provided as part of the exclusive package.

Official hospitality packages launched for 138th Open Championship

This year The Open Golf Championship will be returning to Turnberry for the first time in 14 years.  Sodexo Prestige will be working in its capacity as the hospitality rights owner as The Open Official Hospitality, in partnership with the organisers of the Championship, offer exclusive on-site hospitality throughout the four day tournament. The course, home to some of the most dramatic scenes in the tournament's history has been closed for the last 12 months as organisers ready the club for one of the most prestigious dates in the golfing calendar.

As the course awaits the arrival of some 170,000 fans from across the globe, the passion and entertainment will take centre stage. However, as Woods looks to halt Harrington's pursuit of an unprecedented 3-peat, The Open Official Hospitality team are ensuring the competition is equally remembered, in this Homecoming year, as a celebration of Scottish food, hospitality and produce.

An expected 8,000 covers will be served in the stylish surroundings of the Hospitality Village, containing three contemporary restaurants, exclusive chalets and landscaped hospitality gardens. With visitors greeted by hostesses, hearty breakfasts, filling lunches and splendid afternoon teas  will be the order of the day throughout the four day event.

"We have designed the all-new hospitality experience to reflect the grandeur and heritage of the Open, the course at Turnberry, and the quality produce found in the region," comments David MacCallum, director of sales at The Open Official Hospitality. "The menus all draw upon local influences and produce, and the welcome will be a warm and traditional Scottish one."

Our Packages

The Open Guest is the primary hospitality package for The Open and is available in both restaurant and chalet areas on site within the Hospitality Village. The package includes delicious menu options for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, with a full bar service on hand. Dining will include the best of Scottish produce, including classics such as Tartare of Scottish salmon 'gravadlax', Roast Culets of Pork with wild garlic mash, and old favourites such as bacon sandwiches from locally sourced pork. Larger groups who choose to book a chalet have the option to personalise and brand their area to the comfort and taste of their guests, whilst they enjoy the personalised service of dedicated hostesses and kitchen staff.

The premier package, the Open Clubhouse is a stylish restaurant and lounge area, set within the heart of the Hospitality Village. The Open Clubhouse's a la carte menu will be available throughout the day, leaving guests the freedom to dine in their own time. The menu will once again celebrate the best of Scottish produce with traditional dishes served with a contemporary twist. The Haggis, Neeps and Tatties stack, served with an exclusive R&A whisky reduction is just one of the many pleasant surprises to be found within the relaxation of the Open Clubhouse.

Finally, The Open Hotel Lunch and Open Hotel Full Day packages provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with the players and officials competing in The Open, whilst enjoying the luxury of the courses on site hotel - The Turnberry Hotel. The Open Hotel packages once again place the guest in the heart of the action and atmosphere of Turnberry as the world class talent compete for this coveted title.

"Because we are the official and exclusive supplier of hospitality to The Open Championships, guests can buy the best hospitality packages available with confidence," continues MacCallum. "Our Hospitality Village is situated in the heart of the course, meaning visitors can travel with freedom between the course and the warm welcome of the village."

Maccallum to head up sales at the Open Golf Championship

David MacCallum has joined The Open Official Hospitality team as Director of Sales. MacCallum will take on responsibility for all corporate hospitality areas where Sodexo Prestige will be catering for an estimated 6,000 guests over the four day event taking place this year at Turnberry, 16th – 19th July 09.

The Open Official Hospitality is a joint venture between The Open Championship and Sodexo Prestige. David joins the team from IMG where he managed hospitality sales at the HSBC World Match Play golf tournament at Wentworth. During his tenure at the international entertainment and sports media company, he also worked on projects including Wembley Stadium and The Rugby World Cup.

"Few sporting events match the British Open; it stands firmly as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious sporting competitions," comments MacCallum. "Our job is to bring that prestige into our corporate areas and present an experience in keeping with the tournaments heritage."

A keen sportsman himself, MacCallum also represented his home country of Australia at the International Rugby Sevens level, before moving into event management at Nike Team Sports.

For more information, images, or interviews please contact Alistair Turner at Davies Tanner on 01892 619100 or email alistair.turner@daviestanner.co.uk.

Sodexo Prestige secures an important contract with 'The Open Golf Championship'

Sodexo Prestige, the UK's largest event caterer and provider of corporate hospitality packages, has secured a six-year multi-million pound contract to provide full catering services at The Open Golf Championship.
The contract awarded to Sodexo Prestige is the first of its kind, as all previous catering contracts awarded by The Royal and Ancient (The R&A), the governing body for golf worldwide, have been divided amongst various providers.

From 2008 onwards, when the Open Championship is due to take place at The Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, Sodexo Prestige will not only be catering for all of the 16,000 hospitality guests and patrons and 250,000 members of the public who attend the championship each year, but also The R&A, their international guests, the players and their families and the media.

In appointing Sodexo Prestige as exclusive caterers to the UK's major golfing championship, The R&A strengthens its successful 33 year relationship with Sodexo, and confirms the company's outstanding reputation as a catering provider at world class sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup, Royal Ascot and the Grand National.

Visitors to The Open can look forward to sampling a wide range of dishes, freshly prepared on-site, from a choice of menus specially tailored to reflect the region where each championship is being held. Sodexo Prestige will also be working in close conjunction with The R&A to address sustainability issues; using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, selecting seasonably available produce and reviewing how food can be transported to sites more efficiently in order to reduce food delivery miles.

Simon Bailey, managing director for Sodexo Prestige racing, stadia and events said: "This new contract is testament to the consistently higher standards of catering Sodexo Prestige has delivered over a number of years at The Open Golf Championship. We are delighted to be working in partnership with The R&A to implement all the initiatives they need to realise their long-term plans."

David Hill, The R&A director of championships said: "Only a company of Sodexo's size and experience could deal with the complex catering demands of this highly prestigious annual event. The outstanding levels of quality and service that Sodexo has brought to The Open Golf Championship in previous years persuaded The R&A that it could meet the needs of this new contract with commitment and expertise."