Virgin Atlantic fly high for Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup Europe is delighted to announce that Virgin Atlantic Airways will be the Official Airline Sponsor for The European Ryder Cup Team for The 2008 Ryder Cup. Special dispensation has been granted for the Team to fly direct from London Heathrow Airport to Louisville International Airport aboard a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600 flight for The 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, from September 19-21, 2008. European Captain Nick Faldo and his 12 man Team will fly out on Monday, September 15 to defend The Ryder Cup before flying back the following Monday, September 22. Joining The Team onboard the Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340-600 will be their wives and girlfriends, Ryder Cup Partners, Sponsors and Suppliers, the Official Party, the respective Boards of The European Tour and the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and VIP guests. They will all enjoy the benefits of Virgin Atlantic’s flagship new Clubhouse at Heathrow Airport before boarding the transatlantic flight. Virgin Atlantic Airways was the Official Airline Sponsor of the European Ryder Cup Team’s last visit to America in 2004, for their record breaking winning score of 18½- 9½ at Oakland Hills Country Club, in Michigan. After equalling that record points haul at The K Club in Ireland in 2006, Faldo’s Team will be looking to maintain their stunning Ryder Cup form at Valhalla Golf Club in September as they bid to secure a fourth consecutive victory in golf’s greatest team competition. Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, said: “It is a great honour for us to be carrying Nick Faldo and his Team to Louisville. “This is the second time that Virgin Atlantic has been chosen to carry the Team and The Ryder Cup, and we are thrilled that Europe’s top golfers have selected us again. I’m sure they can do Europe proud and win again.”Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director, said: “We are delighted that one of the world’s biggest brands will once again be part of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The Team and Official Party will all benefit from Virgin Atlantic’s excellent service. “Virgin Atlantic Airways will once again benefit from being associated with The Ryder Cup and, along with our other Partners, Sponsors and Suppliers, will play an active part in making The 2008 Ryder Cup another huge success for The European Team.” The European Team will enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s award winning Upper Class Suite, which includes the longest fully flat bed in business class and in-flight entertainment facilities. They will also speed through Virgin Atlantic’s newly launched Upper Class Wing at Heathrow’s Terminal Three, with its private security channel, before being pampered in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. Before take-off, the players can enjoy a massage or haircut in the Cowshed Salon, or play pool and enjoy the Deli bar.