Hosting a golf tournament has evolved a lot over the last several years. Instead of just attending a golf event, people want more of an experience - a lifestyle and entertainment event. That's the challenge Peter Ripa faces as CEO of the Century Club of San Diego. The Century Club is responsible for planning and executing the Farmers Insurance Open, San Diego’s PGA TOUR Event.
The organization is composed of 12 staff and more than 50 San Diego business and community leaders dedicated to the mission of uplifting San Diego and local charities. This is achieved through the Event’s broad economic impact and programs that utilize the profile and magnitude of the Event to provide fundraising, engagement, awareness and experiences for charities, local military families, community organizations and schools.
Event Highlights:
- More than $25 million economic impact for the City of San Diego including more than $6 million in local hotel revenue
- Excess of $3 million in funding and in-kind value delivered to charitable partners annually
- Unmatched exposure for San Diego with 18.5 hours of live TV coverage to 117countries on CBS and Golf Channel.
- Plays host to over 126K guests from all 50 states and 20 countries.
- PGA TOUR has recognized the Farmers Insurance Open the last two years as a finalist for Best On-Site Staging amongst a 47-event schedule and WON THE HONOR IN 2017.
- PGA TOUR recognized tournament charity, The Monarch School as PGA TOUR Charity of the Year in 2015.
Three additional things to note that Peter shared:
- Patriots Outpost - The Century Club donates tickets to 1,200 members of the military and their families and provides a separate hospitality tent for them. Early in last year's tournament, relatively unknown Spanish golfer Jon Rahm made a special appearance in the tent to say "Thank You!" and handed out Taylor Made hats. Jon would eventually make a thrilling, 60-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole to win the tournament.
- Executive Women's Day - Women’s Day is an inspiring program filled with compelling speakers, leadership topics, personal and career development mixed with meaningful networking opportunities. It is a unique environment for women to grow personally and professionally while also connecting guests to the Farmers Insurance Open’s commitment to giving back to the community. This year will include a special appearance by Scout Bassett, a challenged athlete with is a sprinter, triathlete and world record holder.
- 97% Would Refer - To illustrate just how incredible the experience is of attending the Farmers Insurance Open. Of the past attendees, 97% would refer others to attend. That's incredible!
Peter previously served as the Tournament Director at the PGA TOUR’s Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas for five years. Colonial was recognized with four PGA TOUR “Best of Awards” – Most Engaged Community, Best Marketing/Sales Plan (twice) and Best Use of Players.
Prior to his role at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, Peter served as Assistant Executive Director of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), Georgia PGA, Florida State Golf Association and Innisbrook Resort over the last 30 years.
Peter currently serves on the Board for the San Diego Tourism Authority and completed two terms on the Board for the PGA TOUR Tournament Advisory Council (TAC). Member of San Diego Sports Innovators (SDSI). His wife and son live in Escondido. His daughter is currently attending Auburn University.
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