Compass Group, along with its latest consultant chef signing, Jason Atherton, has signed a new £2m deal to cater for the BMW Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Championships.
The catering giant has won the contract to operate at the Wentworth-based championships for each of the past five years; however, this is the first time that Compass has been awarded a four-year deal, which it said would enable it to invest in all areas of catering and hospitality.
Jason Atherton, former chef-patron at Michelin-starred restaurant Maze, forms part of the investment. He will act as consultant chef, developing the hospitality menu and cooking during the championships.
Compass will provide all hospitality catering, covering corporate hospitality, sponsors, VIPs and European Tour guest areas, totalling around 800 covers a day.
In addition, all catering in the Retail Village (to which the 20,000 daily visitors have access), as well as the catering for players and players' families, media, stewards, caddies and volunteers will be operated by Compass.
Neil MacLaurin, Compass sales and business development director for sport, leisure and hospitality, said: "With five years' experience of catering and hospitality with the European Tour at the BMW PGA Championships, we have a thorough understanding of the importance and scale of the event and the level of expectation of the food and beverage offer in all areas.
"The evolution of contract to a four-year term is a mark of confidence in our commitment and we look forward to working together with the European Tour and Jason Atherton to exceed expectations."
Jamie Birkmyre, BMW PGA Championship director, added: "Compass has shown they can deliver on the big stage and consequently we are delighted to sign a new four-year agreement with them and to work closely with Jason Atherton as consultant chef."
Jason Atherton is a BMW ambassador and will be opening his Pollen Street Social restaurant ahead of the 2011 championships on 18 April this year.
He said it was a great honour to be able to combine his two biggest passions: cooking and golf. "I have had a solid partnership with BMW for years and now to be able to provide my unique style of food to such a big event for the European Tour and BMW is a dream.
"I may also get to pick up a few golfing tips up from my heroes."
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By Janie Stamford
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