Monthly Archives: January 2025

Sugarlands Named Official Moonshine of 2025 Ryder Cup, Launches New Co-Branded Cherry Limeade Product

Expanded Partnership with PGA of America includes return of Lemonade Flavor for PGA Championship

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Sugarlands Distilling Company, renowned for its award-winning line of craft spirits, today announced its designation as Official Moonshine of the 2025 Ryder Cup, one of the most iconic sporting events in the world of golf. Sugarlands will release a limited-edition Ryder Cup-branded Cherry Limeade Moonshine to celebrate the partnership, now available at retailers nationwide.

Each limited-edition jar of Sugarlands Ryder Cup Cherry Limeade Moonshine celebrates the spirit of golf’s premier competition between the United States and Europe. The 40-proof (20% alcohol/volume) moonshine combines ripe cherries’ sweet and tart flavors with a zesty burst of fresh limes. The jar features the Ryder Cup logo displayed over an image of Bethpage Black, the legendary course that will host this year’s event.

“The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, and becoming the official moonshine of this storied tournament is an important milestone for Sugarlands,” said Patrick Sullivan, Sugarlands chief commercial officer. “Creating co-branded Ryder Cup and PGA Championship products allows us to celebrate the passion and camaraderie that make golf so special, and we’re thrilled to share them with fans at both events and nationwide.”

In addition to the Ryder Cup, Sugarlands is proud to become the Official Moonshine of both the PGA of America and the PGA Championship. Sugarlands will continue to produce its PGA Championship-branded Lemonade Moonshine, which it has produced since 2022.

“We are incredibly excited to expand our partnership with Sugarlands to include golf’s greatest team event in 2025,” said PGA of America Senior Director, Global Partnerships Luke Reissman. “The Ryder Cup Cherry Limeade Moonshine is sure to be a favorite among golf enthusiasts across the country, and we look forward to spectators enjoying Sugarlands’ exceptional spirits at Quail Hollow and Bethpage Black.”

The 107th PGA Championship occurs May 12-18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, while Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, will host the 2025 Ryder Cup September 23-28.  Sugarlands cocktails will be served on course throughout both events.

Both PGA Championship Lemonade Moonshine and Ryder Cup Cherry Limeade Moonshine are available at Sugarlands Gatlinburg Distillery, at retailers nationwide and online at Sugarlands.com. To find a Sugarlands retailer near you, visit FindMoonshine.com.

The PGA of America Extends its Partnership with Women’s Golf Day

Women’s Golf Day enters its 10th anniversary year

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida and FRISCO, Texas – Women’s Golf Day (WGD) and the PGA of America have renewed their partnership agreement for a fourth consecutive year.  WGD will be celebrated May 27 through June 3. Under the agreement, PGA of America Golf Professionals can participate in professional development opportunities while supporting WGD.

“Women’s Golf Day has established a fantastic platform for our PGA of America Golf Professionals to support and engage the women they coach, while also attracting even more women into the game we love,” said PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross. “We are very proud to continue our partnership, particularly in this 10th anniversary year. There are very few global movements that continue to inspire in the way Women’s Golf Day does. We hear so many incredible stories from our PGA of America Golf Professionals about the events they run and we look forward to seeing its continued growth through 2025.”

PGA of America Golf Professionals will earn Professional Development Requirement (PDR) credits for hosting a WGD event between May 27 and June 4.  WGD will continue to promote PGA of America initiatives including PGA Coach, various PGA of America events as well as PGA of America JobMatch and PGA VendorMatch opportunities.

WGD will utilize the 2025 PGA Show January 21-24 in Orlando, Florida, to educate PGA of America Professionals on best practices in using their platform to enhance and activate their course, as well as announcing the 2025 Inspire Action Award winners. These annual awards celebrate the locations and people who are moving the needle and taking action to grow the game of golf, especially for women.

“We are very proud to work with the PGA of America,” said Founder of Women’s Golf Day Elisa Gaudet.  “Women’s sport in general is enjoying a surge in interest and participation, so it is wonderful to see more and more PGA of America Golf Professionals using WGD as a platform to attract and retain female golfers. In golf WE are a community that works best when we work together.”

To find out more about Women’s Golf Day and what benefits an event registration entitles you to, simply visit: www.womensgolfday.com/register

Women’s Golf Day Official Partners

The PGA of America, The R&A, USGA, Japan Golf Association,  GloveIt, Golf Town.

Women’s Golf Day is also proudly supported by:  All Square, Annika Foundation, Asian Golf, EGCOA, European Tour, European Tour Properties, The First Tee, The Golf Channel, GolfNow, International Golf Federation, LET, Make Golf Your Thing, Modest Golf Management, NGCOA, NGCOA Canada, PGA TOUR, , Prestige Flag, Sky Sports, TopTracer, TPC Properties, Troon Golf, Troon International, WE ARE GOLF, Women & Golf, Women’s Golf & Travel, The World Golf Foundation and more.

The PGA of America Launches Golf Travel Partnership with Premier Golf

FRISCO, Texas and ORLANDO, Florida – The PGA of America and Premier Golf—a division of the world’s largest golf travel group, Your Golf Travel—announced today a partnership naming the Atlanta-based golf-vacation company the “Official Golf Vacation Partner of the PGA of America.”

The agreement aims to accelerate the specialist luxury tour operator’s expansion in North America in a golf travel tourism market worth $40 billion annually while underlining the PGA of America’s commitment to serve the more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.

The PGA of America will contribute its brand and marketing assets to raise the profile and visibility of Premier Golf. Additionally, the partnership will allow PGA of America Golf Professionals to offer enhanced travel incentives while increasing interest and participation in the game.

“PGA of America Golf Professionals often serve their members and students through organized golf trips, enjoying the incredible golf destinations we all love as avid golfers,” said PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA Master Professional and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona). “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Premier Golf as they have participated in our Golf Retirement Plus Program for over 20 years. We appreciate their willingness to join our efforts to serve the more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.”

Premier Golf will engage with PGA of America Golf Professionals at the 72nd PGA Show on Wednesday, January 22nd at 5 p.m. EST, during a PGA of America Member Reception located in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.  Additionally, Premier Golf will be located in the Golf Travel and Tourism area of the Show Floor at Booth #3972

Premier Golf Managing Director Ann Mabry said: “Premier Golf was founded back in 1988, and we have had a long-standing history with the PGA of America, originally formed as ‘PGA Travel’ and working on many Ryder Cups together since 1991. This new partnership builds on the legacy between our respective organizations, and we are fully committed to serving the needs of all PGA of America Golf Professionals across the country as well as the wider 45 million golfers in the United States.”

President of Premier Golf, Ross Marshall said, “This is brilliant news for PGA of America Golf Professionals, industry stakeholders and golfers across America. This exciting collaboration will ensure we better serve the wider golfing community, whilst delivering elevated travel inspiration and unforgettable golfing experiences. Additional incentives for PGA of America Golf Professionals and bespoke account management will help us scale our professional and member travel business across America.”

PGA TOUR Superstore Invests in HBCU w/ New Grants

Company’s Charitable Gifts Near $4 Million Annually for Nonprofits Nationwide

ATLANTA, GA – PGA TOUR Superstore, the leading golf retailer in the United States, today announced the awarding of grants to several respected organizations dedicated to advancing the game of golf and promoting opportunities within the sport.  The beneficiaries include, PGA of America REACH Foundation, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), Morehouse College and the Black College Golf Coaches Association.

 

“We are committed to ensuring golf is a game for everyone and take pride in supporting these incredible organizations,” said Jill Spiegel, president, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We are passionate about creating opportunities for those who may not have access to resources to play as well as improve their golf game.”

The grants will provide funding for impactful programs, including:

  • PGA of America Reach Foundation for Jr. League Support: scholarship programs for youth ensuring they have access to the game and its opportunities.
  • AJGA Foundation for Liberty National ACE Grant: scholarship programs to focus on helping junior golfers with financial needs to pursue competing in high-level tournaments and developing the next generation of golfing talent.
  • Morehouse College Golf Team: one of the country’s leading HBCUs, the grant will provide hitting bay, putting green and access to some Atlanta-area golf courses.
  • Black College Golf Coaches Association: grant to fund increased access and engagements at HBCUs, promote opportunities for student-athletes and improve financial reporting.

These grants are part of the PGA TOUR Superstore’s broader mission to drive change across the golf industry through strategic partnerships and charitable investments and are in addition to the Company’s annual support of the First Tee and its Community Caddies program.

“By its very nature, golf is a game that brings people together and we are thrilled to bring these programs to life,” said Ralph Stokes, vice president, Diversity, Partnerships and Community Relations, PGA TOUR Superstore. “These grants underscore PGA TOUR Superstore’s commitment to making golf accessible for players of all backgrounds and skill levels.”

About PGA TOUR Superstore

PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

 

PGA of America to Support Staffing of 2025 Major Championships through PGA JobMatch

FRISCO, Texas (January 14, 2025) – The PGA of America is inviting talent from backgrounds underrepresented in the golf industry’s workforce to register for PGA JobMatch and be considered for positions that support its spectator championships in 2025.

Individuals surrounding the geographical area of each championship can register here through February 11 to potentially interview for opportunities with the Association’s larger suppliers for jobs leading up to, during and after the following PGA of America events:

  • PGA Championship
    Quail Hollow Club
    Charlotte, North Carolina
    May 12 – 18, 2025
  • Senior PGA Championship
    Congressional Country Club
    Bethesda, Maryland
    May 22 – 25, 2025
  • KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
    Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco
    Frisco, Texas
    June 19 – 22, 2025
  • Ryder Cup
    Bethpage Black
    Farmingdale, New York
    Sept. 23 – 28, 2025

Job opportunities include part-time and full-time temporary work for pre-, during and post-Championship events from April to September. A variety of positions need to be filled within areas such as hospitality, general labor, construction and janitorial.

“We are committed to helping boost the local economies surrounding our spectator championships,” said PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross. “Through PGA JobMatch, we’re empowering local communities by creating job opportunities and promoting workforce diversification in the regions that host us.”

The PGA of America will work with diverse talent and employment associations, as well as local partners in North Carolina, Maryland, Texas and New York to encourage candidates to register for PGA JobMatch. Connections will be made between qualified candidates and key PGA of America vendors, such as Arena Americas, The Convention Store and Patina Restaurant Group.