British Open Golf Hospitality Travel

Train Chartering provided private charter trains for VIP travel to the British Open 2011 for a sports marketing agency working on behalf of a major sponsor of the competition, and is now planning the charter train programme for the Open 2012 at Lytham St Annes.

The agency required appropriate transportation to convey the sponsor's valued guests to the Open at the Royal St. George's Golf Club on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July. Train Chartering's offer of the heritage First Class train with Pullman dining fitted their requirements exactly.

The Open 2011 Express ran between London's Victoria Station and Deal on all three days, with a short coach transfer to the club. The train was on time or slightly early on each of the six journeys.

Train Chartering operates a variety of train types. In the case of The Open 2011 Express, it was an heritage train built in the early 1960s composed of First Class carriages. Armchair seating - only 42 per car - around full-size tables created a perfect environment in which to entertain and to dine.

Diners were served a classic English breakfast on the way to the golf, and a 3-course dinner on the return. The catering was chef-prepared in the onboard kitchen and served by uniformed stewards; Pullman dining at its best.

The agency chose various forms of branding for The Open 2011 Express. The sponsor's logo was applied to several windows in each carriage, and also appeared on the headrest covers. There were also branded menus and a headboard on the lead locomotive, which was the instantly recognisable logo of the sponsor.

Simon Pielow of Train Chartering says, "The agency's choice of the heritage Pullman dining train for their client was perfect. Comfortable travel augmented by at-seat Pullman dining is ideal for those going to championship golf; it worked well for the Open 2011 and will do so in 2012."

Train Chartering has provided charter trains and private carriages since 1998 to corporate and individual clients as well as group travel organisers. Combining this experience with a wide range of train types, Train Chartering is in a unique position to tailor an appropriate rail travel experience.