Photo: Courtesy of Scott Eisen, AP Images for American Express
American Express and the United States Golf Association (USGA) together have offered golf fans premium experiences through exclusive benefits and servicing for more than a decade. This year, American Express is teaming up with American Express ambassador and PGA Tour professional golfer, Tony Finau, as part of the 122nd U.S. Open Championship taking place at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. from June 16-19, 2022.
Having played in The American Express™ golf tournament each year since the company’s title sponsorship of the PGA Tour first began in 2020, Finau and American Express have worked together to provide ongoing support for local communities, including the #allinchallenge auction, during which Finau and Steve Squeri, Chairman and CEO of American Express, auctioned off a round of golf with 100% of proceeds going toward COVID-19 relief efforts. Additionally, Finau and the company teamed up for The American Express Charity Challenge that raised $1 million to support local Coachella Valley charities.
While onsite, Finau will stop by the Card Member Lounge and is also giving one pre-selected Card Member and family exclusive, inside-the-ropes access during his warm-up routine and practice round.
As part of the experience, Card Members can also visit the Lounge to enjoy the live championship action while enjoying refreshments available for purchase from local businesses, or tune into the live televised broadcast for updates through a complimentary earpiece radio*.
Finau shares his excitement for the game and how he is using his platform and ambassadorship with American Express to make a difference within local communities:
What has been the most exciting part about the return to live sporting events?
We’ve been fortunate on the PGA TOUR to be able to play throughout the pandemic but having fans back at our events has been incredible. The energy and excitement they bring to our tournaments is huge for us as players.
Throughout your career, how have you felt the backing of having a strong community and how has this community led you to where you are today?
As part of my own experience, I have a deep appreciation for what community means. I grew up in Salt Lake City where that community has supported me from day one and where I have special memories of growing up playing on those courses.
And now, it’s really great to be able to bring that appreciation for community into my career today by seeing the extent to which our championships impact the local communities we play in. The events really bring the community together and allow us as players to support local small businesses to help them to grow.
How have you been able to work with American Express to support local communities?
I’ve been fortunate to have worked with American Express as an ambassador for over four years now, and I’m really proud to have been a part of the American Express Charity Challenge in 2021. The event was hosted during The American Express golf tournament, and I played in a skins game with Paul Casey, Jake Owen and Landon Donovan. We helped to raise $1 million in direct support of local charities.
*Radios available while supplies last, with any Amex Card. Limit one per Card.