The 2014 NSW Open is delighted to announce that local beer producer, Macarthur Grange Brewery, has agreed to support the event where it will showcase its award winning product to both spectators and within the corporate hospitality areas during the event.
At the recent Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Competition, its Stockade brand won six medals at its inaugural attempt, including two gold medals in the highly competitive bottled Pale Ale/Golden Ale category for its Stockade Pale Ale and Rebel Ale.
This has been an ideal start for this impressive new brewer, where sales are expected to continue to grow at a triple digit pace. Head of Sales for Macarthur Grange Brewery, Daryl MacGraw, said "It is an amazing result to take a quinella in what is considered to be the most competitive craft category” before adding "in all my years entering beer competitions, I have never managed to take the top two podium positions in the same category let alone both winning gold – we couldn't be happier”.
An avid golfer, MacGraw sees the NSW Open as a great springboard into the substantial golfing community in NSW, particularly those that will be attending the state's premier golfing event. "To be able to showcase our range of Stockade beers during an event of this magnitude is a huge opportunity for us” he commented, before adding " we want golfers and all lovers of sport to recognise how good our various beers compare to others in the highly competitive 'craft' beer market – we're sure they will be pleasantly surprised”.
As part of the association with the event, Stockade signage will be displayed on the signature hole at Stonecutters Ridge – the 11th – which even course designer Greg Norman states 'as being set up beautifully and will have everyone talking.' Spectators are expected to flock to the hole as Stockade will have a prize on offer to all tournament players, during each round, for achieving a Hole in One. For the first Hole in One each day, Stockade will provide a year's supply of Stockade – essentially a case of beer per week for the year.
From a host venue perspective, Stonecutters Ridge CEO, Craig Scott, said "we're proud to be able to assist a local Western Sydney company in their involvement with the club and this historic event”. Scott then said "after sampling the gold medal winning Stockade Pale Ale I can attest to its quality, which I'm sure will be enjoyed by spectators during the Open – we are also looking at the possibility of having an ongoing supply arrangement so our members and guests can continue to enjoy the beer after the tournament concludes”.
Golf NSW, General Manager Commercial, James Black, said "the Stockade brand and quality is fast becoming known around Sydney as a premium product at non-premium pricing, and we're delighted to have Macarthur Grange Brewery supporting the NSW Open,” before adding "we hope that this will be the start of a long-term association with our premier annual event, where the Stockade name becomes a key component of the tournament each year”.
The NSW Open is FREE entry to all spectators. All spectators at the tournament will be able to walk the fairways when following the various player groups – not behind roped fairways – which allow each to experience tournament golf from the players' perspective. This is a unique opportunity which will not occur at any other major golf tournament this summer.
The 2014 NSW Open forms part of the PGA Tour of Australasia and will be played at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, near Blacktown, from 13-16 November. Entry to the course is FREE.