Cleveland Golf launched its invitational event at The Old Head Golf Links, Ireland, where even driving rain and gale force winds did not stop the company entertaining many of its retailing golf professionals and their guests.
Forty-two teams – each made up of a golf club professional that stocks the brand, and an amateur from that club – made the trip to exclusive Irish course in Kinsale The Old Head Golf Links for the event.
Ben Davis, marketing manager for Cleveland Golf said, “The event was created to build closer relationships with our green grass professional accounts. This gives us an opportunity over the 3 days to give them the experience of playing in a first class professional golf event on a world class golf course. It gives our account handlers the opportunity to discuss their business in a relaxed and friendly environment, this is key for us in helping them to grow with the Cleveland Golf brand.
“We invited 42 pro’s from over the UK and Ireland, who are not only Cleveland Golf retailers but also Cleveland Staff players. Cleveland Staff players carry a Cleveland Golf bag and play with only Cleveland Golf equipment. This enables these accounts to have a connection with the brand, not only through retailing but playing. We feel that these two work in unison. The product that the club pro plays can be a major influence in the purchase of the consumer.
“A club pro’s job is getting harder every year, and so the event is also a thank you to all our green grass accounts for the support they have given us. It is also important to remember that this event is a professional golf event, and is by invite only. We hope during the coming years that this event will be known within the industry and green grass pro’s as the No.1 pro am to play in!”
Among the distinguished guests who graced Cleveland Golf’s first invitational was Ryder Cup hero David Howell, Setanta Sports presenter Sarah Stirk, and Cleveland Golf’s CEO Greg Hopkins, as well as representatives from event sponsors like Srixon Sports, Tag Heuer and ProShot Solutions.
Designed to enhance Cleveland Golf’s relationship with key customers, the invitational was split into two competitions – an 18 hole stroke play competition for the pros and a better ball, best score pairs competition.
The severe weather tested the players throughout, with winner Scott Marshall from the Lambourne Club only being crowned the winner after a three-way play-off. He won after fending off tough competition from runners-up Kevin Hinton from Holtye Golf Club (Kevin had the best score of the day) and Andy Paisley from Maften Hall Golf Club. The pairs competition was won by Lee Patterson and his partner Edward Doe who hit an amazing 71 between them.
When asked if the event had delivered on its goals Paul Bradshaw, sales manager for Cleveland Golf said, “Since the event took place, the positive feedback Cleveland Golf has received from the professionals has led us to believe our goals have certainly been achieved. We are now looking forward to planning the event for 2009.”
Old Head www.oldhead.com
Cleveland Golf www.clevelandgolf.com