Mitel Networks and March Networks have become co-presenters of The 2001 Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open, due to be staged on the resort’s Wentwood Hills course on August 9-12.
The £150,000 sponsorship agreement provides extensive benefits including on course signage, branding on all tournament publicity, teams in the Pro Am, corporate hospitality and a hotel suite during the tournament.
Both companies are working closely together after announcing a strategic co-marketing and global distribution agreement earlier this year. They also have strong connections in Wales, including the Mitel Networks plant at Caldicot employing 1,000 people.
“The Wales Open fits perfectly with our business objectives,” said Graham Bevington, managing director of Mitel Networks for Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. “It will help us to raise our profile as key players in broadband networking and gives us an excellent opportunity to entertain important clients in a five star environment. We’re very excited to be involved in such a prestigious and dynamic tournament.”
The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open is expected to attract some of the top names in golf, watched by more than 50,000 spectators. The £1,000,000 prize fund – a third more than in 2000 – counts towards selection for the European team for the Ryder Cup Matches which take place a few weeks later.
“We’ve been given a prime date in August and, with Ryder Cup places at stake, we should have a very strong field and some exciting golf,” said Andy Stanton, tournament chairman. “I’m delighted that both Mitel Networks and March Networks have become involved. This is a blue chip event ideal for blue chip marketing!”
The Wales Open comes at a crucial time for the Welsh 2009 Ryder Cup bid. A delegation from the Ryder Cup committee will visit the event to assess Celtic Manor under tournament conditions as a potential venue for the greatest team event in golf.
Celtic Manor www.celtic-manor.com