The Ryder Cup board has announced that Virgin Atlantic Airways has become the Official Airline Sponsor for the 2004 European Ryder Cup team for the 35th Ryder Cup Matches. The team, official party and guests will fly to Detroit aboard a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600 flight. The competition takes place on 17-19 September 2004 at Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Announcing the new sponsorship agreement, Richard Hills, Ryder Cup director, said, “This partnership brings together one of the world’s biggest brands with one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The Ryder Cup will benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s pro-activity and dynamic approach to marketing. In turn Virgin Atlantic will benefit from the association with a prestigious sporting event.”
Commenting on the appointment, Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, said, “It’s a great honour and thrill to be carrying Bernhard Langer and his European Team into action against the Americans. The European Team will enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s famous in-flight service including our beauty therapists who will offer massages to the players and their partners, our Freedom menu which will be specially designed to meet The European Team’s requirements and our award winning Upper Class Suites – the longest beds in business and first. Not forgetting our onboard bar ideal for celebrating the return of the Ryder Cup Trophy to Europe!”
Richard Hills added, “Virgin Atlantic and our other partners and sponsors all play an active part in making the 2004 Ryder Cup a huge success for the European Team.”
The 36th Ryder Cup Matches will be played at The K Club, Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland on 22-24 September 2006.
Further information can be found at www.rydercup.com or www.europeantour.com
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