Turnberry Team Titleist Invitational

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By Gaaary

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  • 33 Replies
  1. Gaaary

    Gaaary
    Blyth, Northumberland

    After seeing all the pictures and videos from Turnberry on Insta & Twitter. What was the event like at Turnberry ? Stories please

  2. Hugh Crackman

    Hugh Crackman

    The whole event was brilliant. Started with 'fun o the wee links' which was a chance to try out some wedges, different balls and an array of Scotty Cameron putters. Then followed a round on the Alysa with live scoring. I didn't play too well personally (it was my first time playing links... what an introduction!) Team Titleist were awesome and the 'gifts' were exceptional from tees to a TT Polo and Jumper. All in all a fantastic event and I would recommend any future events to everyone. It may have seemed steep... but you get more than your moneys worth from this. Really good socials in the evening also.
  3. Simon B

    Simon B

    Hi Gary,
    In my opinion it was a very good inaugural event with scope to improve next time around.
    What could be improved - first day was slightly chaotic with the short game event feeling disorganised; a shotgun start on day 2 with a proper competition would have been better but the club wouldn't allow it.

    What worked - more or less everything else. Despite comments on social media some months ago it was very good value. All food was included (2x lunches, 2x breakfasts, 2x dinners) plus drinks with dinner.
    The golf courses were in superb condition and the Ailsa is incredible with the recent changes.
    The prizes were great as were the goodie bags of TT branded merchandise including shirt, jumper, cap and a dozen balls.
    In addition every attendee received a voucher for a Players 5 StaDry stand bag and on day 2 a dozen 2019 prototype Pro V's and the all-important bag tag.

    The fitting sessions (clubs and balls) were good with plenty of Titleist fitting staff on hand and every possible combination of shafts and heads.

    A nice surprise on day 2 was the arrival of the Tour Truck having finished its work at the Dunhill Links. It was great to chat to the tour staff about clubs and especially to see all of the Tour Camerons and Vokeys.

    I was surprised to see so many players without any Titleist equipment. A great opportunity for Titleist to convert them but it detracted slightly (IMO) from the community feel. Talking to a lot of the attendees it seemed many were keen to tick Turnberry off their bucket list and saw the event as a great opportunity.

    Overall it was a definite hit, albeit with a few things that could be improved, and great value. I'll certainly take part again next year.
  4. Marc S

    Marc S
    San Antonio, TX

    Military

    Simon B said:

    Hi Gary,
    In my opinion it was a very good inaugural event with scope to improve next time around.
    What could be improved - first day was slightly chaotic with the short game event feeling disorganised; a shotgun start on day 2 with a proper competition would have been better but the club wouldn't allow it.

    What worked - more or less everything else. Despite comments on social media some months ago it was very good value. All food was included (2x lunches, 2x breakfasts, 2x dinners) plus drinks with dinner.
    The golf courses were in superb condition and the Ailsa is incredible with the recent changes.
    The prizes were great as were the goodie bags of TT branded merchandise including shirt, jumper, cap and a dozen balls.
    In addition every attendee received a voucher for a Players 5 StaDry stand bag and on day 2 a dozen 2019 prototype Pro V's and the all-important bag tag.

    The fitting sessions (clubs and balls) were good with plenty of Titleist fitting staff on hand and every possible combination of shafts and heads.

    A nice surprise on day 2 was the arrival of the Tour Truck having finished its work at the Dunhill Links. It was great to chat to the tour staff about clubs and especially to see all of the Tour Camerons and Vokeys.

    I was surprised to see so many players without any Titleist equipment. A great opportunity for Titleist to convert them but it detracted slightly (IMO) from the community feel. Talking to a lot of the attendees it seemed many were keen to tick Turnberry off their bucket list and saw the event as a great opportunity.

    Overall it was a definite hit, albeit with a few things that could be improved, and great value. I'll certainly take part again next year.

    Hey Gary, I was one of three Americans to make the journey to Turnberry and we are definitely glad we did. Our adventure started a bit differently than everyone else, because I drove on the left side of the road from Glasgow to Turnberry. LOL.

    I agree that the first day was a bit unorganized, but it was also meant to be relaxed and informal so that definitely played into it.

    The golf itself was amazing, especially with the old school push carts and experiencing true links golf.

    The value of the package was definitely worth it and I recommend anyone who is on the fence to attend one of these events if possible.

    I was most impressed with the Gala Dinner that was held. From the pre-drinks to the meal itself, and question and answer with Mark Crossfield and the UK Titleist Tour Rep.

    Of course the SWAG was unprecedented! The Tour Truck is always cool to see.

    The entire Titleist staff was amazing to talk with on and off the course.

    Chris Courtneidge fitted me for the TS3 driver and I really loved his patience and understanding of my swing and what I was looking to get out of a new driver. While warming up for our round on the Ailsa Championship Course, Chris Beaumont brought me over a TS2 3-wood and fireworks followed. My buddies were so impressed they stopped hitting balls to watch me. The distance and flight of the new wood was shocking to say the least.

    Lastly, I did mention to Chris about the amount of non-Titleist players that were there. Some of them were non-believers that were converted. Some were there just to play Turnberry. I suggested looking at their Team Titleist profiles to see what and how much of the brand they play and what type of Brand Ambassador they are when sending and receiving invitations to the next invitational.

    Either way, It was a first class event. I have now attended two state-side events and the first UK event and you guys definitely have raised the bar. Thanks for an awesome week. Cheers Marc
  5. Matthew C

    Matthew C
    Oslo, 0

    Hi Gaaary,

    Awesome experience. I got fitted for the new TS driver, had a ball fitting, tried the new fairway and played 2 great golf courses at an amazing hotel and resort. We were also given some really neat gear like team titles shirts, bag tags, key rings and a sta dry bag! Awesome. Will definitely be going again.

    Matt
  6. Dave H

    Dave H
    England United Kingdom

    Had a great 3 days with TT in Turnberry
    Converted me to AP1irons
    ORDERED!!
    Would recommend the TT experience to every golfer
    Look forward to the next gathering

    David
  7. Gaaary

    Gaaary
    Blyth, Northumberland

    Thanks Guys,

    I’ve played all the courses at Turnberry and they were in great condition then.
    I just couldn’t get there this year so hopefully I can next year if they do it again.
    As always Titleist put on a good show with great gifts.
    Glad yous all enjoyed it.
    #TSProject
    #TeamTitleist
  8. NMortimer

    NMortimer
    Hertfordshire, UK

    Gents

    Sounds great, hopefully there will be one down South sometime ?

    Nick
  9. AntD

    AntD
    Hampshire, UK

    Nick,

    Where do you suggest as a venue for 'Down South' ?

    Living in the south I would have loved to have gone to Turnberry but I'd already had a golf weekend away and spent on new 917 driver this year (couldn't wait for TS).

    Can't wait to hear where next years event will be and saving up already (post purchase of 2 TS2 fairways)

    My venue would be St Georges....Open venue and links golf..

    Ant
  10. Stuart M

    Stuart M
    Dundee

    I wasn't there but I was, haha, I played the Ailsa on the Friday when you guys were there, the nicest of the two days you were there.

    On value for money, that's purely down to the individual if they think what they paid was worth it, however, I worked out approximately that the golf plus stay at the hotel was to the tune of around £450 - £500 max. Which left £250 - £300 for some food and some drinks and a goody bag. Is that value for money, I'd suggest it wasn't but again, it's the individual who pays their money and decides if it was worth it.
  11. Simon B

    Simon B

    I think without attending Stuart it's difficult to have an opinion on VFM. Two dinners with drinks plus two lunches wouldn't be far off £150 at Turnberry prices.

    The goody bag was excellent: shirt £50, jumper £80, dozen Pro V1's £40, hat £20, unique headcover £50? Plus the other bits comes to roughly £250. Now arguably not everyone would have liked / wanted / chosen some of the gear but it's still a lot of stuff.

    On top of that everyone is receiving a StaDry Players 5 stand bag with RRP of £149. You can add a few quid for the TT logo on it too.

    So we're up to £400 before we get to the TT bag tag and 2019 prototype balls. Make up your own price but let's say £50.

    In total the package was around £1,100 in value but the whole event and meeting great people added much more to it. Value is always subjective but it's hard to argue with those numbers.

    There's no doubt TT will make improvements for next year too.
  12. Stuart M

    Stuart M
    Dundee

    Simon B said:

    I think without attending Stuart it's difficult to have an opinion on VFM. Two dinners with drinks plus two lunches wouldn't be far off £150 at Turnberry prices.

    The goody bag was excellent: shirt £50, jumper £80, dozen Pro V1's £40, hat £20, unique headcover £50? Plus the other bits comes to roughly £250. Now arguably not everyone would have liked / wanted / chosen some of the gear but it's still a lot of stuff.

    On top of that everyone is receiving a StaDry Players 5 stand bag with RRP of £149. You can add a few quid for the TT logo on it too.

    So we're up to £400 before we get to the TT bag tag and 2019 prototype balls. Make up your own price but let's say £50.

    In total the package was around £1,100 in value but the whole event and meeting great people added much more to it. Value is always subjective but it's hard to argue with those numbers.

    There's no doubt TT will make improvements for next year too.

    You see I didn't add those goodies in as they are, afterall, Titleist goodies and you are quoting retail prices for stuff supplied by the company, whose good they are supplying, so to quote £40 for Prov1's isn't realistic, hat/jumper/headcover etc etc, it's all their stuff so I don't think retail price is relevant.

    As I say, VFM is personal to the individual, for example, one individual may think that £1500 would prove VFM where another may think £500 for the same.

    In regards the food at Turnberry I can't comment on price however, we had a meal on the Friday and I had roast chicken, it was lovely, others had steak pie that quite frankly looked like it came from the local pic shop down the road, that I wouldn't have been impressed with had I had it.

    In saying all of this, had I known about the TT day, I would've been there, which again shows that people will make their own mind up onwhat is VFM, all I was doing was breaking it down.
  13. NMortimer

    NMortimer
    Hertfordshire, UK

    Ant

    St Georges would be a great venue or maybe The Grove where the British Masters was played. How about The Belfrey, geographically more in the middle of the country to make it easier for all ?

    Nick
  14. Rob H

    Rob H
    Manchester

    Hi Gaaary, I went with my brother and I thought it was a fantastic experience and great value for money. I appreciate some of the comments above about the first day, but this did not bother me at all as it was pretty low key. Having said that the Titleist staff were all on hand and were simply brilliant for all three days, nothing was too much trouble. I felt we were treated like tour pros for three days the way the staff were so attentive. I have played golf for over 40 years and never really experienced anything like this. I really couldn't fault it and can't wait for next years event.
  15. Simon B

    Simon B

    As suggestions for next year's venue I couldn't think of many famous venues worse than The Belfry, very average golf course and the other 2 are poor.

    How about Woodhall Spa? Home to the EGU, not too far for the Titleist head office team to reach. Amazing golf course, a decent second course, quality facilities and very good value.

    At the pricier end there's Sunningdale which is prestigious and follows on well from Turnberry. Further afield and more difficult to reach is Saunton, both courses are fantastic.

    Walton Heath would be great too, the Old course is really tough but good fun.

    It'll certainly be fun to speculate in the coming months!
  16. AntD

    AntD
    Hampshire, UK

    Simon,

    Some good picks in there.

    Like Turnberry I guess it's got to have some element of exclusivity and more importantly on site accommodation... which I think sadly rules out Walton Heath which has two great courses and Woodhall Spa both sadly lacking the accommodation.

    I guess the challenge is on for the #TT team to come up with something for 2019... Hopefully see you there!

    Ant




  17. NMortimer

    NMortimer
    Hertfordshire, UK

    Simon

    Valid ideas, Woodhall Spa is a good shout. Walton Heath also good fun as you say and recently featured on the circuit so would be interesting for those of us that watched it on the TV to play it in the flesh.

    Nick
  18. 19hole

    19hole
    Reading, MA

    What about Woburn?
  19. AntD

    AntD
    Hampshire, UK

    There are three great courses at Woburn, I've been lucky to play the Dukes and Marquis, but again it's accommodation that would be the issue as it's a small village location so there would be quite a bit of travel to say Milton Keynes for suitable hotel.

  20. Russell Y

    Russell Y

    Agree about the Belfry not a great course or hotel experience. My suggestion would be Gleneagles, Carnoustie or a St Andrews/Kingsbarns based event.

    I think it works best when you have to travel as you are probably not going to spend top money when the location is just around the corner from where you live. Sorry any Scottish based TT members!!!

    I am really surprised that people attended the Turnberry event who were not Titleist players, sort of defeats the object for me and if they took places of TT members who wanted to go but could not, that is also not great.

    I would love to go next year or perhaps a US based TT event even better.
  21. TRoberton

    TRoberton

    Sounds like a great few days and the question of cost is very much for the individual to decide.
    With regards to future venues. Why not visit all the countries covered by this discussion board.
    England - Royal Liverpool and Royal Birkdale
    Wales - Celtic Manor(2010) and Royal Porthcawl
    Northern Ireland - Royal Portrush(Dunluce and Valley)
    Rep of Ireland - K Club (Palmer and Smurfit)
    Just a few suggestions of the top of my head.
  22. GeoffDenton

    GeoffDenton
    UK

    My thoughts.....The Belfry bears no comparison with Turnberry, either course or hotel
    Some suggestions Gleneagles, K Club, Celtic Manor, Wentworth or Royal Birkdale and Hillside ( hotel would be in Southport ie The Vincent )
    All of these courses are in keeping with such a prestigious event and are steeped in history

    Archerfield is one off the beaten path and close to lots of brilliant courses like North Berwick, Gullane etc

    I am sure there is at least another 100 great courses to suggest!!


  23. Simon B

    Simon B

    Lots of good suggestions for the TT guys to think about - hopefully Luke & Matt are reading the comments ;)

    I'd be very happy if the event moved around UK and Ireland each year and would hope we may eventually go to Europe too (Valderrama anyone?).

    While I can see the advantage of on-site accommodation it would give a much shorter list of options and take a lot of courses of the right stature out of contention.
    For example, Foxhills is a great resort with good courses but if you asked me to stay and play there, or stay there and drive 10 miles to Sunningdale each day there's no contest.

    Looking down the list of top courses in England (purely sticking with the "go south next year theme") there's nothing until Wentworth and I presume price would rule it out.
    Saunton has a hotel 10 minutes walk from the course but may be too far off the beaten track; even the Woburn hotel is a 5 minute drive from the club (good shout for a venue though).

    So for what it's worth I'm looking for a golf experience first and the hotel / convenience a distant second.
  24. Ian H

    Ian H
    Douglas, Isle of Man

    This was my first experience of an event like the Titleist Invitational & it was incredible. As a single player the cost, I admit, was a wee bit breathtaking initially, especially factoring in travelling over and up from the Isle of Man, but as soon as I turned onto Turnberry Road the doubts started to ebb away. The Titleist flags & the welcome. The room was amazing, made even better by the huge array of TT gifts laid out on the bed.

    The fun on the wee links was just that, great fun! I am blessed with an atrocious short game but never really felt conscious. The food and drinks were first class and, as has already been said, we were treated like stars. Golf was tough in the conditions but my playing partners were brilliant. The staff from Titleist were really supportive and interested & the fittings were fantastic. Value for money? Without doubt it exceeded my expectations - to minimise those gifts by saying 'they don't cost Titleist that much' would be a travesty, they are all priceless to me.

    Finally, I also was a bit taken aback by the number of non-Titleist clubs on show, I naively thought it would be wall to wall Titleist but no-one was treated any differently, it was brilliant few days. If you're on the fence....jump off it when the next one is announced!
  25. Matt S, Team Titleist UK

    Matt S, Team Titleist UK
    x,

    Thanks for all your great comments and suggestions TT. I'm so glad you all enjoyed your time at Turnberry. Myself, Luke and Chris had a great time too...hard not to at a resort like that.

    Keep the ideas coming. For a first event we really wanted to keep everything on site. But as you have all pointed out that does limit the venue choice in the UK....

    Matt
    TT

  26. AntD

    AntD
    Hampshire, UK

    Matt,

    The UK/Ireland and I'll include our friends in Europe need to step it up to beat our cousins across the pond on these events. I see Abby has posted about the US Invitational at Kiawah Island, location for 'The War on the Shore'....


    So perhaps Le Golf National would be an option or if it was Woburn a certain Mr Poulter would be a good guest of honour …

    I'm sure you're working on it …

    Ant
  27. AntD

    AntD
    Hampshire, UK

    I guess one of the main criteria for any venue choice would be 'How many TT members would like to go' . I'm guessing from this thread that there are quite a few …


    Dates and Price would be the next...
  28. Simon Worsfold

    Simon Worsfold
    Peterborough

    May I ask, how do you get on such a event ? Was this a invite only ? Or a lucky dip from 1000's of people ? Would love to get on it next year.
  29. Tom C

    Tom C
    Romford, 0

    simon w said:

    May I ask, how do you get on such a event ? Was this a invite only ? Or a lucky dip from 1000's of people ? Would love to get on it next year.

    It was just a sign up! Event dates came out, sign up date was announced, sign up went live along with information and costs, you sign up and pay, was that easy!


    You wont miss it next year, it was all over social media and will be pushed more again next year I would assume.


  30. Simon Worsfold

    Simon Worsfold
    Peterborough

    Cheers for the info Tom. May I ask was it expensive?
  31. Gaaary

    Gaaary
    Blyth, Northumberland

    Hi Simon, around £950 for single room player or £750 for a double room share.
    Great Value looking at the comments.
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