As the days tick off in February, most of the American population waits for godforsaken winter to end. If you’re golfer, the wait is doubly interminable.
It’s sure to ease the pain for those players and travelers to know big time tournaments and major events just weeks away that mark the arrival of another big year in golf.
We’re letting you in on two travel options now available for the golf tourist looking to knock off a couple bucket list level events.
While it’s not officially recognized as such by the PGA, The Players Championship (May 10-15) at TPC Sawgrass is treated as golf’s fifth Major Tournament. The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship are the officials entrants, but the field at Sawgrass and the course’s legendary 17th hole easily make it one of the sport’s premiere events.
This year, the course and event are offering The Players Club V-VIP Experience. For $5,000, buyers of this special travel package receive elite accommodations on the grounds of TPC Sawgrass during the tournament and access to on course venues off-limits to the average fan.
The VIPs get prime access to the course during the tournament, the Stadium Village, the Wine and Dine on 9 lounge, the Taste of JAX dining area, Trucks on 10 and Tacos on 12. They also enjoy 17th tee hospitality, 18th green hospitality, concierge service and a $500 VIP shopping experience at the TPC Sawgrass facilities.
This reporter played TPC Sawgrass recently to get a feel for how it’ll play during The Players Championship, mastering the signature island hole in the process (more or less). You’ll see a full feature on that experience coming soon. However, I don’t think even playing the course offers an insider’s look as intimate as this VIP package.
Also: 2015 Last Minute Holiday Golf Gift Guide
Later in the year, after a golf-filled summer gives way to a quieter autumn, the Ryder Cup will dominate the sport’s headlines. It’s the USA vs. Europe in the hottest rivalry golf can manage. The Euros dominated recent events, and the Americans hope playing the event back on home soil at Hazeltine National Golf Club near Minneapolis will help bring the cup home.
The battle unfolds from Sept 27 to October 2, 2016. Premiere Golf is offering special travel packages starting at $2,895. They include four nights’ accommodations, a season ticket, daily breakfast and round-trip transportation. The VIP chalet option offers views just off the 16th hole at Hazeltine with air-conditioned seating, wide-screen televisions, buffets, an open bar, executive restrooms and on-site staff.
Premiere Golf specializes in these kind of trips and is well-known for delivery on their elite travel packages.
Obviously, neither of these options come cheap. It takes a true devotee of the sport to jump into these VIP trips. But, for a real fan of the game, both offer a once in a lifetime travel experience.
