(NEWPORT, Wales) - The Celtic Manor Resort - host of golf’s 2010 Ryder Cup and premier luxury retreat less than two hours outside London - announces Saab as the new title sponsor for the Wales Open - its flagship PGA European Tour event held on the dramatic Twenty Ten course (June 2-5).
The sponsorship deal with premium car manufacturer Saab launches an exciting new chapter in the tournament played at Celtic Manor since 2000. Known as one of the leading stops on the European Tour, recent winners include Ryder Cup and PGA TOUR stars Ian Poulter, Robert Karlsson and Graeme McDowell, who will return to defend his title. John Daly, a perennial worldwide gallery favorite, will also be part of this year’s prestigious international field.
“We are thrilled to welcome Saab on board as the title sponsor of the Saab Wales Open,” says Sir Terry Matthews, Celtic Manor Resort Chairman. “Celtic Manor Resort has enjoyed a decade of fantastic exposure as the title sponsor of this European Tour event and, in partnership with Saab, we will now be able to raise the profile of the tournament to an even higher level.”
To kickoff tournament week of the Saab Wales Open, a thrilling new format -- PowerPlay Golf: Ignition -- will tee off on Monday, May 30. Joining McDowell and Daly for the quick fire, nine-hole shootout featuring two flags on every green will be Paul Casey and Ian Poulter; U.S. Women’s Open Champion Paula Creamer; Wales’ only major champion Ian Woosnam; and golf legend Gary Player.
“We are elated to associate our brand with such a prestigious tournament and such a stunning resort venue,” says David Pugh, Saab Great Britain Ltd. Marketing Director. "We feel that the innovative sponsorship approach in creating Saab Golf Week, encompassing the exciting launch of PowerPlay Golf's professional series and the Saab Wales Open, is highly reflective of our brand."
“We are delighted that Celtic Manor Resort has been able to attract such a prestigious sponsor and we welcome Saab to the European Tour family of sponsors,” says George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the PGA European Tour.
For more information: www.celtic-manor.com; 866.789.5779 (U.S.) / 877.354.2003 (Canada).
About Celtic Manor Resort
Located less than two hours outside London, Celtic Manor Resort hosted golf’s 2010 Ryder Cup and is the UK’s foremost luxury retreat. Featuring 1,400-plus acres of panoramic parkland and wooded hills, it is recognized as the “Gateway to Wales.”
A popular destination among business and leisure travelers, golf-tour operators and corporate incentive agents, five-star Celtic Manor offers myriad amenities. These include three championship golf courses (the Twenty Ten, Roman Road and Montgomerie), two lavish hotels (the majestic, 330-room Resort Hotel and historic, 70-room Manor House), charming country inn (Newbridge on Usk), six savory restaurants, two tranquil spas and state-of-the-art health clubs, a golf academy and miles of hiking trails. A convention center, exhibition hall, array of well-appointed suites, meeting rooms and large ballrooms are also available to host groups up to 1,500 for conferences, weddings and other special events.
Celtic Manor is privately owned by founder Sir Terry Matthews, the Ottawa, Canada-based telecommunications entrepreneur who was born on the Celtic Manor site when the original Manor House was a maternity hospital.
Getting There: Celtic Manor is 45 minutes from Bristol International Airport (BRS) and Cardiff International Airport (CWL). London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a two-hour drive, with rail service from Paddington Station (London) to Newport, Wales also available.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3509
sreynolds@buffalocommunications.com
