Jon Stromberg

This year’s U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, Calif., marked a milestone for THG: The event was the 20th year for the company to provide hospitality during this prestigious event and resulted in positive reviews from the nearly 80 companies who took part, says THG CEO Jon Stromberg.

“The U.S. Open is a signature event in golf and a key event in our portfolio,” Stromberg says. “A majority of our clients have already renewed their space for the 2011 U.S. Open in Bethesda, MD, and the 2012 US Open in San Francisco, CA.”

This year’s event featured a nerve-testing win by Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, who held his game together while other top players struggled. His win ended a 40-year drought in the winner’s circle for players from Britain.

In addition to taking in tournament play, THG clients enjoyed hospitality offerings that included opportunities to meet golf pro celebrities Mark Nye and Frank Nobilo and take their turns on golf simulator machines, which THG offers as a value-add at signature golf events. Several clients took home daily prizes (see image at right) that included full sets of golf clubs and a bag awarded to participants who hit the best shots, including the longest drive.

For some THG clients, the simulators proved almost as popular as watching the pros on the links at Pebble Beach: “We may just hang here this afternoon and play Pebble Beach by simulator with our clients,” one guest noted.

For more on THG’s golf event hospitality during key events throughout the word, visit our company website.

THG Sports provided hospitality for more than 300 C-level executives and guests during this month’s 2009 Presidents Cup in San Francisco, an event that provided stellar professional golf and unprecedented business development and networking opportunities, says THG Sports CEO Jon Stromberg.

“We’re continuing to see strong interest from C-level executives in securing hospitality opportunities at signature U.S.-based events to support their international business goals,” Stromberg says. “The Presidents Cup exemplified this trend with its line-up of the world’s best golfers competing for the prestigious Cup.”

In particular, the Presidents Cup match-up of Y.E. Yang and Tiger Woods, their first competition since Yang bested Woods at this year’s PGA Championships, captured the attention of THG clients and record-setting worldwide television audiences. Woods beat Yang to give the U.S. team the tournament victory. Japan’s rising star, Ryo Ishikawa, also thrilled participants with a stellar short game and predictions that the 18-year-old may eventually claim Woods’ title as the world’s best golfer.

During the event, THG clients enjoyed the company’s signature “five-star hospitality” at the private Lake Merced Golf Club, with four-course meals service and first-class accommodations. THG clients also took advantage of golf clinics and Presidents Cup play analysis from celebrity Mark Lye, a Golf Channel commentator and former PGA player.

“Mark’s clinics were extremely popular,” Stromberg says. “They gave our clients and their guests a tangible way to turn the inspiration they gained watching the pros and improve their own games.”

THG is fielding strong interest from current and prospective clients for hospitality packages during upcoming premier West Coast events, including the 2010 U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, the 2010 MLB All-Star game in Anaheim, Calif., and the 2012 U.S. Open in San Francisco.

About THG: THG (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