By Kim Jae-won
Diageo Korea said Wednesday that it will host a Korean men’s professional golf tournament next month to promote its trademark blended Scotch whisky brand Windsor.
The winner of the joint KPGA and SBS Tour’s Windsor Classic will be awarded 80 million won in prize money and a chance to play in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Europe. Johnnie Walker is the company’s premium whisky brand.
In addition, a player who hits a hole-in-one will be awarded a bottle of Windsor Diamond Jubilee worth 300 million won and a BMW 7 Series car. The competition will be held from Oct. 25 to 28 at Ildong Lake Golf Club in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, two hours north of Seoul.
The local arm of the British liquor giant said that this event aims to underscore that Windsor is an authentic Scotch whisky produced in the same country that golf originated. Windsor is made from malts produced at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery in Scotland, two hours north of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf.
“Scotland can boast a long tradition of whisky and golf. We hope that the event lets golfers and consumers get to know Windsor’s authenticity and premium quality,” said Diageo Korea CEO Kim Jong-woo in a statement.
St. Andrew’s is the oldest golf course in the world boasting a legacy of more than 600 years. Many golfers dream of playing there to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the east coast of Scotland.
Royal Lochnagar has a reputation to rival the golf course. It is one of two distilleries which can use the term “royal” as it was certified by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. It produces a high-end quality whisky thanks to its natural setting with high mountains and a river providing clean water.
Since Aug. 7, Diageo has held a screen golf contest for Korean amateur golfers who cannot go to the Scottish course, which will run through Oct. 13. People can join the event by selecting Windsor Gold Classic at any Golfzon outlet nationwide.
The winner will be given a Hyundai Motor Genesis, while five runners-up will be awarded a chance to visit St. Andrews and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery.