How Mastercard is growing the experience economy in golf | Golf Equipment: Clubs, Balls, Bags [Video]

Many golfers may not be familiar with the term “experience economy,” but chances are they have contributed to the trend in one way or another. The experience economy describes a recent shift in consumers traveling for more unique and memorable events than traditional trips—with travel to sporting events leading the charge. Between the Olympics in Paris, Open Championship at Troon and upcoming AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews, more and more people are planning vacations around events than ever before. Having a strong historical presence in sporting events, especially golf, Mastercard has long been tracking the trend and curating exclusive opportunities for cardholders during these trips—appropriately called “Priceless Experiences.”

According to Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard shifted its focus to experiential marketing in 2013 to give cardholders more opportunities to fuel their passions and offer experiences money can’t buy.

“Sports are by far the biggest and …