With just under a year to go to The 2010 Ryder Cup, Cardiff-headquartered PR consultancy Freshwater UK has been awarded a new contract to represent Ryder Cup Europe in Wales.
The agency will be responsible for relations with the Welsh media and local stakeholder communications on behalf of Ryder Cup Europe in the build up to The 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, from October 1-3 next year.
Freshwater will also work closely with local partners, such as Ryder Cup Wales, Newport City Council and The Celtic Manor Resort itself, to maximise the PR impact of the event.
“Having been involved in the original Wales bid to host The Ryder Cup, it’s great to be helping to make the event a success ten years later,” said Steve Howell, Freshwater’s Chief Executive.
“Ryder Cup Europe is delivering on its commitment to use local suppliers and ensure that real economic benefits flow into the Welsh economy.
“Freshwater is an example of this. There’s no doubt that our involvement in The Ryder Cup and work with clients such as Newport Unlimited and Visit Wales has been an important factor in our growth from a purely Welsh agency to a UK-wide group with eleven offices.”
Freshwater’s association with The Ryder Cup goes back to 1997 when the agency was founded as Howell Communications in Newport and appointed by The Celtic Manor Resort to handle the PR for its £100m expansion programme and aspirations to host golf’s greatest team event.
When The Celtic Manor Resort and the Welsh Assembly Government joined forces in 2000 to mount an official bid to host The Ryder Cup, Howell Communications was responsible for the PR for the successful campaign.
More recently, Steve Howell worked with Ryder Cup Europe’s communications team at The 2006 Ryder Cup at The K Club in Ireland and at The 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, USA.
Ryder Cup Europe Director Richard Hills said: “Freshwater is a tried and tested part of our team, and we felt it was appropriate to award them a new contract to handle a growing PR requirement in the build up to the event.
“The Welsh media and local stakeholders have a vital role to play in helping to ensure the event is successful and in showcasing Wales to the thousands of visitors who will be attending.”
Freshwater www.freshwater-uk.com