American Airlines has officially signed on as the Official Airline of the PGA of America, extending its influence into one of the world’s most celebrated sports. The multiyear partnership, announced from Frisco, Texas, covers key properties including the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup USA, and PGA HOPE through 2027.
This strategic collaboration is designed to enhance the travel experience for PGA of America Golf Professionals and thousands of fans traveling to major golf events. The agreement marks a new era of engagement between the aviation and golfing worlds, connecting the thrill of travel with the prestige of championship golf.
Elevating Golf Travel with AAdvantage
Through this partnership, American Airlines is working closely with the PGA of America to create exclusive, immersive experiences for its customers, especially AAdvantage® credit cardmembers. Benefits include access to designated hospitality areas, the ability to redeem miles for premium experiences, and proximity to elite golfers at some of the sport’s most iconic venues.
Caroline Clayton, Chief Marketing Officer at American Airlines, emphasized the emotional appeal of the collaboration: “Together with the PGA, we’re looking forward to offering our customers an opportunity to experience golf like never before.” These experiences are crafted to turn ordinary travel into unforgettable memories for American’s most loyal passengers.
Commitment to Veterans Through PGA HOPE
Beyond perks and premium travel, the airline’s sponsorship reaches deeper into the sport’s social impact programs. American Airlines will serve as presenting sponsor of The Secretary’s Cup, a spirited 9-hole match played during PGA Championship week by teams from the PGA HOPE initiative. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces golf to military Veterans as a way to improve their physical, mental, and social well-being.
This aspect of the partnership aligns with the missions of both organizations to support community health and national service. American Airlines’ backing of PGA HOPE highlights its ongoing efforts to engage with military communities through aviation and beyond.
Championships on the Horizon
Under the terms of the agreement, American Airlines will be integrated into key PGA events through 2027. Upcoming highlights include:
- 2025 Ryder Cup: Scheduled for September 23–28 at Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York.
- 108th PGA Championship: Set for May 11–17, 2026 at Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
These events attract thousands of spectators and hundreds of golf professionals from around the world. With American Airlines facilitating domestic and international travel, the experience is expected to be smoother and more comfortable for participants and fans alike.
Shared Vision for Growth
Jeff Price, Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer for the PGA of America, stated: “As our PGA Members travel the country growing the game and thousands of spectators journey to our Major Championships, American will deliver a world-class experience.”
He also praised the airline’s involvement in the PGA’s most meaningful annual events, particularly The Secretary’s Cup, emphasizing the shared values of service, community support, and hospitality excellence.
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, comprising more than 30,000 PGA Professionals across the United States. These professionals serve as expert instructors, operators, and ambassadors for the game of golf, driving interest and inclusivity in the sport at every level.
In addition to overseeing the PGA Championship, the association owns and operates several premier tournaments, including championships for seniors, women, and the biennial Ryder Cup, one of the most viewed sporting events globally.
The partnership with American Airlines is expected to help the PGA of America further its mission while offering fans and professionals a seamless, world-class travel experience to match the stature of its events.
With this partnership, American Airlines enters a new league of premium travel and sports sponsorship, connecting the skies with fairways and opening a new chapter in experiential aviation.
