Special dispensation has been granted for the Team to fly direct from London Heathrow to Louisville International Airport onboard a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600 for The 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky, USA from 19 to 21 September 2008.
European Captain Nick Faldo and his 12 man team will fly out on Monday 15 September to defend the Ryder Cup before flying back the following Monday 22 September.
Joining the Team onboard the Virgin Atlantic flight will be their wives and girlfriends, Ryder Cup partners, sponsors and suppliers, the official party, the respective Boards of the European Tour, the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and VIP guests.
Virgin Atlantic was the Official Airline Sponsor of the European Ryder Cup Team’s last visit to America in 2004 for their record breaking winning score of 18½ – 9½ at Oakland Hills County Club in Michigan, USA.
Sir Richard Branson, President, Virgin Atlantic, said, “It is a great honour for us to be carrying Nick Faldo and his teammates to Louisville. This is the second time that Virgin Atlantic has been chosen to carry the team and the Ryder Cup, and we are thrilled that Europe’s top golfers have selected us again. I’m sure they can do Europe proud and win again.”
Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director, said, “We are delighted that one of the world’s biggest brands will once again be part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The Team and official party will all benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s excellent service.
“Virgin Atlantic will once again benefit from being associated with the Ryder Cup and along with our other partners, sponsors and suppliers, will play an active part in making the 2008 Ryder Cup another huge success for the European Team.”
The European Team will enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning Upper Class Suite, which includes the longest fully-flat bed in business class, and in-flight entertainment facilities. The Team will also speed through the airline’s new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, with its private security channel, before being pampered in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. Before take-off, the players can enjoy a massage or haircut in the Cowshed Salon, or play pool and enjoy the Deli bar.
Virgin Atlantic will carry the European Team on an Airbus A340-600 with 45 Upper Class Suites, 38 Premium Economy seats and 225 Economy seats.
Virgin Atlantic www.fly.virgin.com
Ryder Cup www.rydercup.com