Business Event held July 2017
The unique historical venue of beautiful Grade I listed Hensol Castle was the chosen setting for a star-studded Gala Dinner hosted by Rolex for 160 participants.
Held for Rolex Golf Ambassadors and as the Key Client Dinner for the British Seniors Open 2017, the guest list included Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall, the Welsh government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, plus golf major winners in Fred Couples, Jose Maria Olazabal, Bernard Langer, Tom Lehman, Tom Watson, Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo.
Wales hosted the British Seniors Open 2017 on the historical links of Royal Porthcawl and the Vale Resort was chosen as the official players and promoter's hotel. A fleet of sponsored Audi vehicles transferred guests to and from the Vale resort to Hensol Castle, set in the grounds of the Vale Resort, for the Gala Dinner, the second time the venue had been chosen by Rolex for its prestigious event.
Numerous planning meetings, menu tastings and regular communication between Wales and Geneva ensured the successful and smooth running of the Gala Dinner. A bespoke menu was prepared using the finest locally sourced Welsh produce and accompanied by specially selected imported wine. The dinner was held in the Castle‘s Courtyard Hall which underwent an amazing makeover to ensure the look and feel was on brand with the Rolex worldwide design requirements for corporate hospitality events. Even the weather was perfect which allowed all guests to enjoy the Hensol Castle parkland and lake, the setting for the champagne reception. Being a Grade 1 Welsh stately home with an impressive historical pedigree, the venue was a big hit with guests, especially the American golf players.
The success of the event was underlined by the organiser’s feedback, confirming that Hensol Castle was the only venue seriously considered to play host to the Rolex Gala Dinner, and will be again if the Seniors Open returns again to Royal Porthcawl.