Jon Stromberg

On the heels of South Korean Y.E. Yang’s historic and stunning win over Tiger Woods at this month’s PGA Championship; THG Sports is seeing an increased interest from global clients to secure hospitality during golf’s majors on behalf of their Asian clients, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“Since Y.E. Yang’s victory two weeks ago, we’ve noted a rise in client requests to upgrade existing hospitality contracts to accommodate inquiries from Asian accounts interested in the U.S. Open, the Masters and the PGA Championships,” Stromberg says. “These are Asian golf fans who want to see Yang compete at the highest levels of the game. His win is great for golf and could not have come at a better time.”

As the first Asian to win a major, Yang’s victory has spurred global interest in golf at a time when a growing number of companies are eyeing expansion into emerging Asian markets. Peter Dawson, chief executive of the hallowed Royal & Ancient Golf Club in Scotland, says Yang’s victory will make him a “household name” and bring a greater degree of attention and interest to Asian golfers and signature events around the world.

Further, golf observers say Yang will inspire younger Asian golfers to pursue the sport. Already, golfers like South Korea-born Danny Lee, 18, have been gaining additional attention and interest from fans and sponsors. A year ago, Lee won the U.S. Amateur title to replace Woods as the youngest player to earn the honor.

“Yang’s win is a watershed moment for golf and hospitality opportunities in the U.S., as well as Japan, Korea and China,” Stromberg says. Asian-based events that will also benefit include THG’s hospitality during the 2009 Shanghai Champions Golf Tournament in November and the 2010 Barclays Singapore Open.

“We’re excited about the opportunities this will bring our key accounts,” Stromberg says. “Our Open Contract program allowing select accounts global event access has also been heightened by Yang’s win, with a number of businesses seeking new opportunities in multiple markets.”

For more information on THG’s golf hospitality offerings, click here.

About THG Sports: THG Sports (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs during the world’s premier sporting events, including the World Soccer Championships, Masters, Singapore Grand Prix, and the Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG’s services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.

Despite rainier than usual conditions, THG Sports clients had an outstanding time participating in THG Sports’ hospitality during last week’s U.S. Open at Bethpage Black golf course, where up-and-comer Lucus Glover captured his first U.S. Open victory.

More than 300 clients and guests per day from 65 corporations took part in THG Sports’ hospitality village during the U.S. Open Championship — the 18th consecutive U.S. Open organized by THG Sports.

“Event hosts and guests appreciated their hospitality pavilions this week immensely due to the on-course conditions,” said THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg. “Countless clients thanked the event staff for their 5 star service, confirming several success stories with clients, enhancing their business relationships, and enjoying the unparalleled networking opportunities.”

THG Sports’ golf simulator facilities proved to be a favorite, with many clients using them in the THG Sports village to work on their own games after watching their favorite golfers on the course, Stromberg adds. THG Sports clients also enjoyed time meeting and mingling with Golf Channel celebrities Mark Lye, a current Champions Tour player, and Jennifer Mills.

Attendees pose with Mark Lye

“While we can never predict the weather, participants took full advantage of the quality time with their invited guests and enjoyed a tremendous tournament,” Stromberg says. “This year’s success has translated to the strong interest in our hospitality packages during the 2010 U.S. Open Golf at Pebble Beach in Carmel, California.”

For more on THG Sports’ U.S. Open Golf hospitality client offerings, click here

(May 19, 2009) CHICAGO — Pro Golfer and Golf channel analyst Mark Lye relishes the work he’s done as a celebrity host and participant in THG Sports‘ hospitality offerings at major sports events.

“He’s been an asset to our programs,” says Jon Stromberg, THG Sports CEO of North America. “Our clients and their customers love Mark, which is why he’s back with us year after year.”

“I’ve enjoyed a close working relationship with THG Sports for the past 15 years,” says Lye. “THG Sports takes the experience of playing with champions to a new level.”

Lye has been a celebrity on-site host for THG Sports at more than 20 major golf championships since 1995, including the PGA and U.S. Open championships, the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup. Last month, Lye served as THG Sports’ celebrity host during the 2009 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga. In addition to serving as celebrity host, Lye assists THG Sports with arranging pro golfers to take part in the company’s Pro-Am golf tournaments held in conjunction with the top-tier events.

“THG Sports Pro-Am’s take the championship experience to a new level. It’s not how many professionals are involved, but who you choose that makes all the difference,” Lye says.

Lye says THG Sports’ on-site preparations and hospitality services make for a one-of-a-kind experience for THG Sports clients and their customers.

“When you’re entertaining clients you want to give them the full effect of being part of a US Open,  Masters Tournament or PGA Championship is all about. THG does that above and beyond,” Lye says. Once THG clients hit the grounds they are taken care of like first class citizens.”

The following videos offer more from Lye on the benefits THG provides its clients at events, including the PGA’s Presidents Cup and the U.S. Open.

For more information about THG Sports’ corporate hospitality services at premier golf championships and other sporting events, visit http://www.thgsports.com or the company blog, http://www.thgworldwideblog.com.

About THG Sports: THG Sports (http://www.thgsports.com) is a leading provider of corporate hospitality programs at premier sporting events in the United States and abroad-including the US Grand Prix, World Cup Soccer, Masters, US Open and the Final Four. As a marcus evans company, all aspects of THG Sports’ services promise a level of client focus and attention second to none.