PGA of America Encourages Golf Enthusiasts to “Act Now” for Tickets for 2012 PGA Championship
For Immediate Release, August 2010http://www.pga2012.com
The PGA of America and Kiawah Island Golf Resort today communicated a clear message regarding the 2012 PGA Championship that will be played on the famed Ocean Course: those interested in attending the first major golf championship ever contested in South Carolina should act this year and purchase tickets early.
At a downtown Charleston news conference, PGA of America and Kiawah Island officials explained that in order to ensure spectators have the best possible experience during South Carolina’s biggest sporting and social event of 2012, tickets will be limited to a level nearly 30 percent less than those typically allocated for a PGA Championship. With limited tickets, it will be more important than ever for those interested in attending to act fast.
The PGA has instituted a unique procedure whereby fans can visit www.pga2012.com to pre-register to participate in a six-week sales window between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, 2010. All pre-registrants will be reminded in early fall of their opportunity to buy tickets during the 2010 pre-sale.
Further encouraging early registration is a system that rewards pre-registrants with tiered priority access when sales open Nov. 15.
The new ticketing procedure allows for the 2012 PGA Championship to manage the unprecedented early interest it has received thus far for the limited supply of tickets.
“Consumers’ access to buy tickets will be assigned based on how early they have pre-registered,” said 2012 PGA Championship Director Brett Sterba. “Registrants can purchase tickets as soon as their assigned tier’s exclusive sales window opens. This represents a different procedure than past PGA Championships, but with smaller galleries, we want to give potential spectators some control over their opportunity to obtain the tickets they want.”
These smaller galleries will experience easier movement throughout The Ocean Course, site of the 2012 PGA Championship. Smaller crowds also will mean better sightlines and enable spectators to feel closer to the action. In addition, by limiting tickets, The PGA of America intends to create a more intimate atmosphere for business professionals for client hospitality and entertainment.
“In terms of international appeal and media exposure, the 2012 PGA Championship will be the highest-profile sporting event held in South Carolina since we hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup,” said Roger Warren, president, Kiawah Island Golf Resort. “It is important to us to make sure the people who attend this event feel as though their tickets provide major championship-level value.”
The PGA Championship, the season’s final major, boasts the strongest field in professional golf. On average, 97 of the top 100 ranked players in the Official World Golf Rankings participate in the PGA Championship. Adding to the excitement in 2012 not only is the fact that it represents the first time a major championship will be contested in South Carolina, but that the Ocean Course is known as one of the most challenging tests in golf. Among those likely to qualify for the 2012 field are a number of professionals hailing from South Carolina.
“To have the opportunity to play in a major championship in my home state, on such a renowned golf course and in such a beautiful and historic location will definitely provide added motivation,” said Dustin Johnson, a three-time PGA TOUR winner, former Coastal Carolina University All-American golfer and Myrtle Beach, S.C. resident.
Political leaders from across the state also touted the appeal of major championship golf in South Carolina.
“South Carolina is a state rich in opportunities for golf enthusiasts, with top courses throughout the Palmetto State landscape,” said Rep. Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives and co-chair of the 2012 PGA Championship Champions Committee. “With the eyes of the world on this great event, the first-ever major championship in South Carolina will generate exposure for our state like never before and will serve as a great showpiece for South Carolina pride and hospitality.”
About the PGA Championship
Since 1916, golf’s premier professionals have been competing for the PGA Championship’s Wanamaker Trophy. Past Champions span the greatest names of golf over 90 years, including: Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Davis Love III, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson.
The PGA Championship is one of the premier golf events conducted by The PGA of America, a list that includes the Ryder Cup, the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together winners of golf’s four major championships.
