German automotive company Mercedes-Benz has signed a multi-year extension to its partnership with golf’s Open Championship.
Mercedes-Benz will continue to serve as the official car and an official patron of the Open after agreeing the renewal with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), which operates the event.
As part of the deal, Mercedes-Benz will provide a fleet of over 100 vehicles to transport players, caddies, families and VIPs around this year’s championship, which begins on Thursday at Scotland’s Royal Troon Golf Club.
The company will also supply on-course evacuation vehicles, while an exhibition centre featuring some of Mercedes-Benz’s latest models will be set up for supporters to visit. The centre will also house the company’s new Garia Golf Car, which is due to be revealed later today (Tuesday).
In addition, Mercedes-Benz brand ambassadors Martin Kaymer, Bernhard Langer and Rickie Fowler will take part in Q&A sessions and hole run-throughs. Fans will also be given the chance to be transferred to the course in a Mercedes-Benz courtesy car as part of a competition on the Open’s official website.
This year’s field will once again feature several Mercedes-Benz brand ambassadors, including Kaymer, newcomers to The Open, Emiliano Grillo and Fabian Gomez, as well as recently signed global brand ambassador, Fowler. Mercedes-Benz brand ambassadors will each drive the GLE 250 AMG Line during tournament week.
Mercedes-Benz serves as an official patron of the Open alongside Doosan, HSBC, MasterCard, Nikon, NTT Data, Ralph Lauren and Rolex.