Crystal Cruises has unveiled The Crystal Cup, an amateur golf tournament developed in partnership with Troon, a prominent golf management company.
This initiative integrates competitive golf with luxury cruising, culminating in a final event at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia, scheduled for October 2025.
The tournament structure comprises two-person teams participating in local qualifiers at private clubs across the United States, commencing in May 2025. Subsequent regional qualifiers are set to take place at Troon-affiliated courses, including Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California; Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford, North Carolina; and La Cantera Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas. Approximately 940 teams, totaling 1,880 players, are anticipated to compete in these preliminary rounds.
The final event at Sea Island Golf Club offers participants the opportunity to compete alongside Crystal's golf ambassadors, Luke Donald and Lexi Thompson. Donald, a former World No. 1 and European Ryder Cup Captain for 2023 and 2025, and Thompson, an LPGA professional, will also feature in Crystal’s brand campaigns and participate in exclusive events throughout the tournament.
Prizes for the tournament include US$1,000 cruise vouchers, signed memorabilia, and a 29-night cruise from Singapore to Tokyo aboard Crystal Symphony. Additionally, in the lead-up to the 2025 Ryder Cup, Crystal plans to launch a campaign offering golf enthusiasts the chance to win a virtual lesson with Luke Donald.
Following its acquisition by A&K Travel Group in 2022 and relaunch in 2023, Crystal has emphasized enhancing guest experiences. Each ship now features a driving cage, putting green, and an onboard golf professional providing lessons, reflecting the company's commitment to integrating golf into its luxury cruise offerings.