Golfers with a taste for the finer things are in for a new kind of tournament. The Crystal Cup is swinging into the spotlight this year, and it’s not your typical amateur competition. Co-created by luxury cruise brand Crystal and golf powerhouse Troon, this multi-stop golf experience is changing how passionate amateurs play the game. Imagine the prestige of competitive golf infused with the elegance of a luxury vacation—that’s The Crystal Cup.
Where Luxury Meets the Love of the Game
This isn’t just about birdies and bunkers—it’s about the full experience. The Crystal Cup has set out to reinvent amateur golf by creating an immersive journey that blends competition, high-end hospitality, and bucket-list-worthy destinations. It’s less a tournament and more a lifestyle event. And it’s clearly designed for golfers who live, breathe, and travel for the sport.
The format features two-player teams facing off in qualifiers hosted at ten of the most exclusive private clubs across the United States. These clubs are hand-picked for their aesthetic, prestige, and the kind of challenge that excites true competitors. This means fairways lined with legacy, greens kept in tournament-ready condition, and clubhouses that feel more like five-star resorts than weekend hangouts.
From there, the tournament progresses through regional events and makes public course appearances at top Troon-managed venues. One standout is Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad, California—a stunner framed by the rolling hills of the Pacific coast. It’s the kind of place where you tee off into ocean breezes and wrap up with gourmet food and luxury accommodations.
More Than Just a Game
What makes The Crystal Cup shine is its focus on turning each qualifier into a full-fledged event. Golfers aren’t just there to play—they’re treated to an experience that might include white-glove service, post-round cocktail receptions, curated local excursions, and even access to amenities usually reserved for members or the ultra-wealthy.
This elevated atmosphere is intentional. Crystal Cruises brings decades of experience delivering refined travel to those who expect more, and Troon is synonymous with elite golf experiences. Together, they’re crafting something that feels special for players who want competition without sacrificing comfort.
And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to wrap up a hard-fought round of golf with a five-star meal or a spa treatment?
The Road to October
Each round of The Crystal Cup is a step toward something even greater. Finalists will earn their way to a soon-to-be-revealed legendary course for the grand finale in October 2025. This championship location will offer more than just postcard views. Players will get to share the fairway with some of golf’s most recognizable names.
Among the guests of honor? Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald and Solheim Cup champion Lexi Thompson. Their presence turns the final into something close to a dream-come-true for any amateur golfer. As Lexi Thompson puts it, “This tournament combines the thrill of competition with the luxury of a Crystal cruise—creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
For players who make it that far, it’s the culmination of a journey that merges dedication, performance, and pure passion for the game.
Redefining What It Means to Be an Amateur
There’s a lot of talk in the golf world about growing the game. The Crystal Cup offers a fresh and exciting approach—especially for those who’ve already invested years into improving their skills and building community through the sport. This event proves that you don’t have to go pro to feel like one.
It also opens up new doors for amateur players to access courses and opportunities typically off-limits. Whether it’s playing at invitation-only clubs or enjoying behind-the-scenes hospitality usually reserved for professionals, The Crystal Cup is about raising the bar.
It also invites a new kind of connection. One forged through shared experiences, not just shared handicaps. That’s the kind of magic that lingers long after the last putt drops.
A Win for Travel, Too
Let’s not overlook the travel component. With each leg of the journey unfolding in a new destination, participants experience more than golf—they get a curated travel experience. Whether it’s a sun-drenched afternoon in Southern California or a dramatic round tucked into the mountains, each stop becomes a memory that extends beyond the game.
For Crystal Cruises, the tournament is an extension of their brand’s ethos: exploration, luxury, and exceptional service. For Troon, it’s another opportunity to deliver best-in-class golf environments to passionate players. The partnership is a natural fit, and The Crystal Cup is proof that the result is more than the sum of its parts.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re looking to play or follow along, The Crystal Cup is worth watching. Golfers can sign up as teams of two, prepare for a unique schedule of qualifiers, and bring their A-game. But even if you’re not hitting the links, this event is a glimpse into what modern golf can be—less exclusive, more inclusive, and far more memorable.
To learn more or register, visit Crystal’s official site. But don’t wait too long—spots are limited, and the fairway is calling.
