Destination Cellars Sponsors PGA Tour Pro Parker McLachlin

By: Destination Club News
Date: January 5, 2009

Luxury destination wine club Destination Cellars has announced that they will sponsor PGA Tour up and coming Pro, Parker McLachlin for the "West Coast Swing" of the 2009 PGA Tour season.

Destination Cellars was founded in 2006 by CEO David Keuhner, labeling the club as "the first and only luxury destination club that offers affluent wine, food and travel enthusiasts personalized access to prestigious winery properties around the world." As a Destination Cellars' member, you have access traditionally reserved for sommeliers at over 100 of the world's most exclusive and finest wineries around the world.

Kicking off the partnership, McLachlin was whisked off to enjoy a luxury wine tour in Montalcino, Italy from Destination Cellars.

"The best thing about experiencing Italy for the first time with a trip arranged by Destination Cellars is that they have genuine relationships with the vineyard owners, meaning that we were welcomed at the winery as if we were extended family," said McLachlin. "I'm looking forward to my next trip to Tuscany just as much as I'm looking forward to starting the '09 season next week. One thing I learned on my wine vacation is that appreciating truly great wine is very similar to playing a great game of golf, it takes patience and is best enjoyed one sip - or one hole at a time."

Following the trip, Destination Cellars has elected to name this particular trip after their PGA Tour Pro, the Parker Package - Destination Tuscany. Members explore the history, culture, and vineyards of Rome, Montalcino, and Florence in the week long tour. The club will personally suggest restaurants and other activities based on each member's personal preferences.

The high point of the excursion includes accommodations, cooking lessons, and a wine tasting at the Altesino estate in Montalcino. Guests spend the morning enveloped in the estate's famed vineyards before making their way to the cellars followed by a wine tasting of the Altesino Wines. The day is far from done for Destination Cellars' guests. The afternoon offers private cooking lessons from the estate's private chef. Guests can then retire for but a brief respite before concluding the day's festivities with a custom dining experience.

"Parker's characterization of his Tuscan wine experience is just what we strive for - familiar, memorable, and relaxing," said Keuhner. "We are thrilled to be supporting him and wish him the best of luck for the 2009 PGA Tour season."

A Hawaiian native, McLachlin turned professional in 2003 and won his first PGA Tour event when he won the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open in 2008, joining past winners Kirk Triplett, Scott Verplank, and Notah Begay. In the 2008 season, McLachlin finished in the top 100 on the PGA Tour's official Money List and moved up 200 spots on the World Golf Rankings.

McLachlin will prominently wear the Destination Cellars logo on his right sleeve during all six events in Hawaii, California, and Arizona during the 2009 West Coast Swing.

Although Destination Cellars is McLachlin's first destination club sponsor, he does have connections within the destination club industry. Parker served on The Markers Club Player Council and is sponsored by the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Not only did he once shoot a remarkable 59 at one of the clubs extravagant courses, but Waikoloa is a destination club friendly resort that counts Ultimate Escapes and High Country Club amongst its owners.

Destination Cellars partnered with Exclusive Resorts late in 2008 that allowed Exclusive Resorts members to enjoy the same luxury wine tours available to Destination Cellars members.

McLachlin will start the 2009 season by teeing it up at the winners-only Mercedes-Benz Championship on January 8. Keep your eyes on the young star's right sleeve as the Pro attempts to repeat the success of last season.