PGA TOUR, LPGA and Topgolf announce new alliance

The PGA TOUR, LPGA and Topgolf Entertainment Group (TEG), a global leader in golf entertainment, have announced a strategic alliance designed to create new fans, participants and enthusiasts and to enhance the playing and fan experiences through event and media initiatives.

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan and TEG Co-Chairman/CEO Erik Anderson outlined four primary areas of focus during a press conference at TPC Sawgrass, site of this week’s PLAYERS Championship.

Those are: linking PGA TOUR and LPGA tournament activities to local Topgolf venues; reciprocal distribution of content from both Tours through Topgolf platforms; Grow the Game initiatives supported by Topgolf venues; and exploring opportunities for PGA TOUR and LPGA-related experiences on the World Golf Tour (WGT) digital game.

“Topgolf has developed a highly successful blueprint for engaging avid and novice golfers alike through its golf and entertainment venues,” Finchem said. “We see tremendous collaborative opportunities that will benefit not only Topgolf, the PGA TOUR and LPGA, but golf as a whole. We are very excited to work with Erik’s team to bring these ideas to life through this new alliance.”

“We’ve seen nice momentum of late between golf’s major organizations in growing the game and this alliance is something the whole golf industry should be excited about,” Whan said. “Topgolf venues are bringing new people to the game and many of those people are then also taking up the game in the traditional sense on golf courses. Everyone is taking notice of Topgolf’s innovation and creativity and we look forward to working together to continue introducing our game to new audiences.”

Topgolf is the only entertainment center of its kind, offering competitive golfing games for all ages and skill levels and advanced technology to track players’ shots. Those who just want to relax can enjoy the laid-back ambiance that boasts more than 230 high-definition flat-screen TVs and an extensive food and beverage menu. Topgolf currently has 21 venues open in the U.S. and three in the UK.

“Our research indicates there are millions of Topgolf guests who are currently non-golfers but who aspire to learn the traditional green-grass game,” Anderson said. “The Topgolf team is thrilled to join forces with the PGA TOUR and the LPGA to expose these fans to other ways to enjoy the sport. We are dedicated to growing golf’s fan base and advancing the golf industry.”

To learn more about Topgolf visit www.topgolf.com

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A graduate of Cardiff University’s highly respected post-graduate magazine journalism course, Andy has successfully edited four different publications across the B2B, trade and consumer sectors. He is skilled at all aspects of the magazine process in addition to editing websites and managing social media channels.