Golf: Credit card benefits

Three networks, three programs

The American Express, Mastercard and Visa networks offer golf benefits to holders of their premium credit cards. Here are the cards on our radar:

American Express

Mastercard World Elite

Visa Infinite Privilege

Fine Hotels + Resorts with American Express

Holders of the American Express Platinum Card^® or the Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, on top of having access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts Program, can receive an annual travel credit of up to $200 each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings.

More than 150 hotels in or near world-renowned golf clubs become available to golfers who hold these credit cards.

One example? The magnificent Terranea Resort in California.

The benefits of the Fine Hotels + Resorts program:

• An offer worth at least US$100, issued as a credit. The amount can be applied against food and beverage spending, a round of golf for two, treatments at a wellness centre, or the cost of private airport transfers to and from the hotel
• Complimentary daily breakfast for two people
• Check-in from noon, subject to availability, and late check-out at 4 p.m.
• A room upgrade may be granted, subject to availability.
• In-room Wi-Fi access, subject to certain exclusions

Golf Experiences with Priceless from Mastercard

Exclusive to Mastercard credit cards, the Priceless program includes an offer that golf enthusiasts value highly:

• One round per year at as many courses as you like among the 1,000 private golf clubs in their North American network.
• With the playing partner of your choice.

*The price varies by golf club. One example? The coveted The Plantation Golf Club, Florida.

Private Troon clubs with Visa

It is hard, if not impossible, to resist this program offered by Visa Infinite Privilege credit cards.

Brace yourself. You get access to private Troon golf courses and to Troon Rewards status.

25 private Troon clubs take part.

• Play up to twice a year at each of the members-only private clubs.
• Flat rate of $99 per player per round.
• Invite up to three friends who play at the same rate.
• Save 20% on merchandise, packages and golf lessons at more than 150 clubs worldwide.

One example? The Maderas Golf Club in Poway, California

Marriott Bonvoy Moments

Are you a Marriott Bonvoy member with points saved up? Beyond paying for hotel stays, those points open the door to experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.

One example?

How about bidding points on 2 VIP tickets to attend five days of the 2022 PGA Golf Championship? The Dell Technologies event in Austin, Texas, worth at least US$1,500.

• strategically located at tees 5 and 12 of the course, the Michelob ULTRA Athletic Club delivers an unforgettable front-row experience.
• The space is covered and ventilated. You can buy premium food and drinks there.

How does it work?

You bid points. Other enthusiasts do the same. Bids are revealed one month before the event takes place, and the highest bid wins.

Conclusion

Have you chosen a premium credit card? Congratulations. It comes with benefits at sign-up through bonus points, and while travelling through perks such as free checked bags and airport lounge access. But there is so much more.

Do you know how far their rewards programs reach? We have revealed a few of those angles.

Golfers, your turn is coming. Treat yourselves!

Thanks to Danielle Daoust, a passionate golfer, and Pascal Garneau of Golfdudez.ca, an equally experienced golfer. Both are members of the milesopedia Community.