American Express named official card of National Golf Course Owners Association

American Express has been named the official card of the National Golf Course Owners Association. The global financial services leader will work with the NGCOA to develop focused marketing programs that provide valuable offers and benefits to American Express Cardmembers.

“Our goal is to help golf course owners grow their businesses,” says Yana Gutierrez, vice president of Business Development, American Express Establishment Services. “Our relationship with the NGCOA provides a targeted way to direct our Cardmembers to NGCOA facilities and support owners’ needs for increased participation and incremental spending at their courses.”

In partnership with the NGCOA, American Express will support player development programs designed to increase participation and long-term interest in the game, according to Mike Tinkey, deputy chief executive officer of the association.

“American Express has made a strong commitment to golf, and we’re confident the programs and services that will develop out of this relationship will help grow the game and enhance the health of our members’ businesses,” Tinkey says. “A tangible example is its commitment to sponsor the 2006 American Express Women’s Golf Week presented by Golf for Women magazine.”

American Express will launch an electronic newsletter for NGCOA members that will offer insights on a wide range of topics, including finance, marketing, technology and customer relations, to help course owners better manage their businesses.

“Strategic business information is as relevant to the golf industry as it is to any other segment,” Gutierrez says. “We will identify valuable content and deliver it in easy-to-use ways that course owners can apply to their own operations.”

American Express Cardmembers are twice as likely to play golf and spend 35 percent more on golf per year than bank cardholders, according to Gutierrez. “We look forward to working with the NGCOA and its members to connect these high-spending, frequent golfers with NGCOA members and their courses.”