Ryder Cup venue engages Azalea for PR and media campaigns while Sharon Smurfit strengthens commercial strategy
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, host venue of the 2023 Ryder Cup, has engaged international PR and marketing specialists Azalea to further develop its global brand in the golf tourism market.
The Italian destination in the eternal city of Rome received worldwide acclaim when Luke Donald’s Europe defeated the United States team captained by Zach Johnson by 16.5 – 11.5 in the last Ryder Cup. Designed by the famous architect Jim Fazio and completely renovated by Tom Fazio II and European Golf Design, Marco Simone has quickly become renowned as one of Europe’s leading venues, offering golfers the opportunity to follow the footsteps of Ryder Cup heroes.
The new collaboration will see Azalea activate a range of media and marketing campaigns to reinforce Marco Simone as a must-play course for visitors. Since launching in 2006, Azalea has established itself as one of the premier agencies in the golf, tourism, leisure and lifestyle sectors, representing best-in-class global venues such as Costa Navarino, Al Zorah Golf Club, Apes Hill Barbados, Quinta do Lago, Trump Turnberry, Verdura Resort and Terras da Comporta.
The move coincides with the appointment of Sharon Smurfit as Sales Consultant, who brings extensive industry expertise to the team at Marco Simone having previously served over a decade as the Director of Golf at The K Club, Ireland, another former Ryder Cup venue. Sharon has contributed significantly to the success of numerous major events, notably including the prestigious 2016 Irish Open. She was also on the Board of Elm Park Golf Club, was Lady Captain of The K Club and has sat on many golf committees including the Club Managers Association of Ireland.
Marco Aquilino, general manager of Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, said: “We are thrilled with the appointments of industry leaders Azalea and Sharon Smurfit as we look to cement Marco Simone’s position among Europe’s elite venues. Azalea’s expertise within the international golf tourism sector is well established and will be of great benefit in the next phase of our evolution. Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her time at The K Club and we are delighted to have her join the team.”
Azalea partner and director, Andy Barwell, said: “Golf fans around the world were enthralled by the challenge Marco Simone presented during the Ryder Cup in 2023 and we are excited to support such a prestigious venue as it builds for the future. We look forward to working with Marco Aquilino, Sharon Smurfit and all the team at Marco Simone at such an exciting time.”
Sharon Smurfit added: “I am delighted to be working with Marco Simone Golf & Country Club this year as it is one of Italy’s leading golf venues. Having hosted the Ryder Cup in 2023, this championship golf course deserves all the recognition it deserves. With Marco Simone’s location just 20 minutes outside the eternal city of Rome, it is no surprise that golfers choose this course when in Rome. Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is a must play when in Italy.”
Marco Simone has also engaged the services of 59club in an important move towards reinforcing the customer experience for members and guests.
59club’s prestigious Service Excellence Awards recognise the outstanding teams and managers within the golf industry which consistently deliver the finest customer experiences for their members and guests, covering all aspects of golf and hospitality operations.
Nominated venues are assessed and scored through a detailed and objective mystery shopping programme, with properties evaluated by the experience afforded to guests, members and prospective members against objective benchmarking criteria.
Press release written by the Azalea Group on behalf of Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. For media enquiries, please contact Roddy Williams, head of content & media at The Azalea Group.
About Marco Simone Golf & Country Club
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, located just a 20 minute drive from the centre of Rome with views over the eternal city and the dome of St Peter’s Basilica and surrounded by Roman countryside, is one of the most prestigious courses in Italy. Owned by Lavinia Biagiotti Cigna, President and CEO of the Biagiotti Group, one of Italy’s largest fashion houses, the restoration of the stunning 11th century castle and course has been a lifelong passion for the family since her late parents bought the property in 1978. In 2023 their vision was realised when Marco Simone became the first Italian venue to host The Ryder Cup, and only the third on continental Europe to host golf’s greatest team event. Visitors to Marco Simone Golf & Country Club will experience an outstanding course fused with history, traditional Roman culture, food and entertainment. Visit golfmarcosimone.com