Virgin Atlantic teams up with Tartan Tour

Home-based golfers in Scotland have been given another massive boost today with the announcement that Virgin Atlantic has been appointed associates of the PGA in Scotland.

The new partnership, revealed at the Gleneagles Hotel by PGA in Scotland secretary Brian Mair, will see the airline actively involved in all aspects of the organisation’s activities throughout the coming year, including tournaments, order of merit support, and member benefits.

It will also see the domestic competitive circuit rebranded the ‘Tartan Tour, supported by Virgin Atlantic’.

The ‘significant investment’ is a further fillip for the PGA in Scotland and follows hot on the heels of last week’s dual Paul Lawrie announcements.

“Virgin Atlantic is delight to expand its partnership with the PGA and, in particular, support golf professionals in Scotland,” commented Kerry Douglas, the Head of Specialist & Regional Sales at the airline. “This is set to be an exciting year for Scotland and sport, and we are extremely pleased to be part of that as we approach Virgin Atlantic Little Red’s first birthday.”

Little Red is the company’s domestic service, which was launched in 2013, and which now offers six daily flights between London Heathrow and Edinburgh, and three daily flights between London Heathrow and Aberdeen.

“These are very exciting times for the Tartan Tour and it’s great to have such a big name supporter on board” – Greig Hutcheon

“We continue to recognise the value of our golfing customers, both on Little Red and Virgin Atlantic, by ensuring golf clubs travel for free,” added Douglas.

Welcoming Virgin Atlantic aboard, Brian Mair commented: “We are thrilled to have agreed this deal. To align ourselves with a world-class brand respresents a significant development for everyone involved in golf in Scotland and is another milestone in a historic year.”

Reigning Tartan Tour No.1 Greig Hutcheon was also delighted at the announcement of another piece of good news for the domestic circuit.

“These are very exciting times for the Tartan Tour and it’s great to have such a big name supporter on board,” said the Banchory man, pictured above with two members of the Virgin Atlantic cabin crew (Pic: andyformanimages.com). “As PGA professionals, we recognise that it’s our job to look after our customers and clients, much as I’m sure Virgin Atlantic does, too.

“This deal won’t just benefit those of playing on the tour; it will also benefit club professionals and golf club members, so it is fantastic news.”

Virgin Atlantic Little Red: Find out more

For more information on Virgin Atlantic’s Little Red service, log-on to www.virgin-atlantic.com

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor