Man, I had a blast last year at Whistling Straights. SPG did a bang up job for us for just 10,000 SPG points. The day was just about perfect, the course was amazing and the play was stunning. Oh and the hospitably tent was most impressive with free drinks (including adult beverages) as well as breakfast, snacks and then lunch/dinner. All was included for the meager cost of 10k SPG points. Impressive and one of the best redemptions I have ever had for my points.
NOTE: STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST CREDIT CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Well I can tell you I am going back this year with a visit to EWR. My friend and I have successfully redeemed 15,000 SPG points for a full day of course access (for us both) as well as once again access to an air conditioned SPG suite with all the goodies included. I cannot wait.
If you look at and consider just the raw value of the tickets for grounds access on their own you are talking $214 for two (with tax). At that rate I am getting 1.4 cents each in value. Somewhat low for SPG points but that does not count food and drinks. When you consider what a few drinks and two meals on the course would run, you are talking a MUCH higher value. Then you lastly toss in amazing views from a luxury box (and some fun swag) and you have a redemption that is hard to match!
I am so stoked and will so miss these kinds of incredible redemptions if Marriott deems them not to be part of the “Marriott” program. I hope they will understand what value these events can add to a loyalty program.
So how am I getting there? Well I was able to lock in 30k Delta SkyMiles awards (mix Level 1 & Level 2) for my buddy and I. What about hotel? Well, thanks to my recent round of travel cards including the 90,000 points from my Chase Marriott card (and yes I get the irony of this) I was able to spend 40k Marriott points for a hotel near the golf course and airport.
Bottom line is the event will be free on points, the air free on points (other than some tax), the hotel is free on points! Yes, thanks to the C+ changes I am stuck in exit row with my friend but I have HOOUs so all good there for the short flight out to EWR.
If you are into golf as much as I am, I would take a look at the tickets up for grabs to attend the final MAJOR of the year at BALTUSROL. Heck, if you come on Friday you will be joining me at the event! – René
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