Cruise ship holiday company Crystal has launched an exclusive new golf tournament in collaboration with Troon, the world’s leading golf management company, and leading tour players Luke Donald and Lexi Thompson.
The Crystal Cup invites golfers to experience the ultimate fusion of world-class travel and golf, culminating in a final at the renowned Sea Island Golf Club in St Simons Island, Georgia, home of the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic.
Bringing star power and global appeal to The Crystal Cup, former World No.1 and European Ryder Cup Captain for 2023 and 2025 Luke Donald and LPGA professional Lexi Thompson will serve as official ambassadors for the program. They will be featured in Crystal’s brand campaigns and take part in exclusive events and appearances throughout the tournament.
In the lead-up to the 2025 Ryder Cup, Crystal will also launch a special campaign offering golf fans the chance to win a virtual lesson with Luke Donald. This will be a rare opportunity to learn directly from the European Team captain and Crystal ambassador.
“The Crystal Cup is a fantastic initiative that brings together the best of both worlds – challenging golf at well-known courses and the exceptional service, dining and entertainment you get on a Crystal cruise,” said Donald. “I look forward to welcoming participants to this unique event and showcasing the incredible experiences that await them both on and off the course.”
The Crystal Cup will tee off with two-person teams competing in 10 local qualifiers held at private clubs across the country beginning this month. Troon will host three regional qualifiers for golfers to attempt to qualify for The Crystal Cup final at Troon-affiliated daily-fee courses, including Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, Calif. on July 10; Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, N.C., on August 19, and La Cantera Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas, on August 26.
In total, 940 teams and 1,880 players are expected to compete in Crystal Cup qualifiers. The tournament will culminate in October 2025, with the grand finale at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Ga. Participants will have the unique opportunity to play alongside Crystal’s golf brand ambassadors, enjoy unparalleled hospitality and compete for exceptional prizes including cruise vouchers worth $1,000. Signed memorabilia and a 29-night cruise from Singapore to Tokyo onboard Crystal Symphony.
“We are delighted to partner with Troon to create an unparalleled golf experience that embodies the luxury and exclusivity synonymous with Crystal. From our research, we know golf is a huge passion point among our guests, and creating this tournament will appeal not only to our loyal customers, but future guests as well,” Peter Chipchase, chief marketing officer of A&K Travel Group, which bought Crystal in 2022. “The Crystal Cup provides a unique opportunity for golfers to enjoy superlative competition at prestigious courses while indulging in the exceptional service and amenities that define a Crystal voyage.”