Fans of whisky and golf are in for a treat when the spectacular JOHNNIE WALKER® EXPERIENCE opens its doors at this year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. While the professionals battle it out on the PGA Centenary course a short walk away, guests of the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPERIENCE can test their own golfing prowess by playing the four holes of the bespoke JOHNNIE WALKER Mini Golf Course, which is located inside the exclusive venue.
Whether they are backing the boys from Europe or the USA, supporters’ rivalries will be left at the door as they get the opportunity to have fun and sample a ‘Free Drop’ at the bar once they have completed the course.
Guy Escolme from Diageo, which owns JOHNNIE WALKER and Gleneagles, said: “Whisky and golf are two of Scotland greatest gifts to the world and what better way to celebrate them than with a thrilling game of Mini Golf at our spectacular pop-up house?
“Our bespoke JOHNNIE WALKER Mini Golf Course tells the story of how our whiskies travelled from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world in a fun and relaxed environment. We’re looking forward to welcoming Ryder Cup fans to experience it for themselves and advise them to book their tee-off time in advance.”
Golf enthusiasts attending the 2014 Ryder Cup, who would like to visit the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPERIENCE for a round of Mini Golf, can book their tee-time by signing up at johnniewalkerexp.eventbrite.com Players will receive score-cards and make their way around the course, while discovering fascinating facts about the brand’s history, before enjoying a ‘Free Drop’ at the bar when they have completed their round.
The JOHNNIE WALKER Mini Golf Course consists of four holes (three Par 2s and a Par 5) inspired by the JOHN WALKER & SONS story. The four holes have been named: The Grocery Store; The Four Corners; Scotland’s Finest Exports and Keep Walking and each hole has been inspired by different elements of the JOHNNIE WALKER story.
The Grocery Store is inspired by the brand’s founder, John Walker, who operated out of a grocery store in Kilmarnock in the 1800s, about 65 miles from Gleneagles. He imported rare and exotic flavours from around the world and it is thought that he used his tea blending skills to craft some of the first (and finest) blended whiskies in Scotland.
The Four Corners tells the story of how JOHN WALKER & SONS crossed oceans and continents to export their whiskies from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world. Scotland’s Finest Exports celebrates the fact that whisky and golf are two of Scotland’s greatest gifts to the world and Keep Walking references the Striding Man logo and the brand’s pioneering spirit.
Guy Escolme said: “We’re very excited about the opening of our spectacular JOHNNIE WALKER EXPERIENCE and look forward to inviting guests to test their skills on our Mini Golf Course while the superstars from Europe and the USA face-off during what promises to be a fantastic few days of golf.”
As part of its Ryder Cup plans, JOHNNIE WALKER is also hoping to get 25,000 people to ‘Join the Pact’ during Ryder Cup week by challenging them to make a commitment to Never Drink and Drive.
Diageo www.diageo.com