Cheonan, Korea, 11 November, 2025: “It’s been the experience of a lifetime from start to finish. All expectations have been surpassed,” said Scottish cruise ship captain Donald Mcleod, who also happens to be an avid golf fan.
Donald and his wife Katie were spectators at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open in July, where they won an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2025 Genesis Championship in Korea. The Glasgow residents snagged this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after correctly predicting that Colombian golfer Nico Echavarría would land a hole-in-one on the 6th hole.
“When I first heard that we had won, I literally couldn’t believe it,” said Donald. “I remembered that Nico Echavarría placed second in the Sony Open before the Genesis Scottish Open, which is why I chose him as the player likely to get a hole-in-one.”
The luxury hospitality package included business class flights, five-star accommodation, shopping and sightseeing activities in a chauffeur-driven Genesis G90, and, of course, VIP tickets to watch the 2025 Genesis Championship.
Luxury Hospitality the Genesis Way
The Mcleods enjoy an exclusive viewing experience from the Genesis Suite at the 2025 Genesis Championship in Cheonan, Korea.
The Genesis Championship, now in its ninth year, is a key event for title sponsor Genesis. Golf sponsorships represent the luxury marque’s commitment to the sport, which reflects its “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy through focus, precision and keen attention to detail.
The brand is also title sponsor for other world-class annual golfing events, including the Genesis Invitational and Genesis Scottish Open, in addition to being a founding partner of Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), which blends traditional golf with immersive virtual indoor golf. Genesis is also the official vehicle sponsor for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Presidents Cup. These events serve as key platforms to showcase Genesis’ unique brand of hospitality.
Guided by Genesis’ “Son-nim” philosophy — where every visitor is treated as a cherished guest — the Genesis Championship weaves Korean hospitality and authentic cultural experiences into every aspect of the event.
The Genesis Suite, an exclusive hospitality space for VIPs, offered an unparalleled spectator experience with gourmet food and drink, curated artwork displays from the Genesis Cheongju exhibition and premium viewing areas overlooking the green. There, guests watched as 126 Korean and international players from the DP World Tour and the KPGA TOUR vied for the $4 million prize pool.
The Genesis Suite awaits VIPs to enjoy its artwork, refreshments and elevated view of the 2025 Genesis Championship at Cheonan, Korea.
“It’s an amazing venue,” said Donald, “and the hospitality has been fantastic. The scenery, the trees, the autumn colours coming through; just absolutely stunning.”
Elevated Experiences for Spectators
The couple also spent time exploring the Fan Village, a welcoming environment for fans to connect with the Genesis brand and experience Korean culture while enjoying premium amenities and the immersive virtual reality golf simulator.
As a large-scale tournament with athletes and fans from around the world in attendance, Genesis carefully curated a diverse menu. Fans could not only enjoy the golf, but also a variety of international and local culinary options, giving them the opportunity to experience Korean culture through its food and snacks. The Gallery Plaza food court featured local specialties from Cheonan, including walnut cookies and “sundae,” or Korean blood sausage, as well as international options such as pork rice bowls, barbecue, “yakisoba,” or Japanese stir-fried noodles, “karaage,” or Japanese fried chicken, and handcrafted burgers.
“The food’s been outstanding,” said Donald.
The concessions area of the Fan Village has a variety of delicious delicacies for fans to enjoy at the 2025 Genesis Championship in Cheonan, Korea.
Another highlight of the Fan Village was the TGL swing simulator, which allows fans to experience TGL's innovative golf simulator technology and practice their swing in a virtual golf environment similar to the TGL game format. This immersive experience showcased Genesis’ commitment to engaging new generations of golf fans and how TGL harnesses technology and innovation in sport.
A fan tries out the TGL Swing Simulator at the Fan Village of the 2025 Genesis Championship in Cheonan, Korea.
Experience of a Lifetime
“The level that Genesis provided to us has just provided memories that we’ll keep forever. It’s been brilliant,”said Donald.
The Mcleods, who enjoy following the matches, were thrilled to see such a strong field of players. “My favourite golfer is Xander Schauffele, ever since he won the first year Genesis became the title sponsor of the Scottish Open in 2022,” Donald reflected. “We also know Sung-jae Im and Si-woo Kim.”
Such virtual golfing simulations, called “screen golf,” are a common pastime in Korea. “I haven’t experienced Korean golf culture beyond watching matches yet, but I would like to try [screen golf] if I get the chance,” said Donald.
The Mcleods also stopped by the Genesis Collection booth. This pop-up store was filled with official Genesis merchandise like limited-edition hats, umbrellas, tumblers and folding spectator chairs, giving fans the chance to take home exclusive souvenirs. Visitors were also able to purchase a variety of Genesis-branded items, such as scale models of Genesis cars, teddy bear keychains and a variety of golf accessories.
The Mcleods, VIPs at the 2025 Genesis Championship in Cheonan, Korea, examine scale models of Genesis vehicles at the Fan Village.
Donald expressed that Genesis tournaments have become more popular, “Especially since it has become the Genesis Scottish Open, more famous players have participated, which has also contributed to higher viewership. I believe that for a few years now the Genesis Championship has naturally helped raise awareness of the Genesis brand as well.”
(from left) Katie and Donald Mcleod take a selfie to commemorate the special trip while enjoying the pristine landscapes of the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, host of the 2025 Genesis Championship.
The Mcleods were among 20,000 spectators at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, Korea, who witnessed Junghwan Lee win with a score of 11-under 273, taking home $680,000 and a Genesis GV80. Lee also won a two-year seed for the KPGA TOUR and DP World Tour. This win marks the first victory by a KPGA TOUR player at an event co-sanctioned by the DP World and PGA Tours. Korea’s own Seungbin Choi finished 7th overall, securing himself a spot in the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open.
About Genesis Motor Europe
Founded in Seoul, Genesis is a leader in premium electrified cars with a vibrant, distinctly Korean spirit.
Launched in Europe in 2021, the brand’s award-winning premium models offer a luxurious ownership experience, defined by advanced technologies, dynamic performance and the trademark ‘Athletic Elegance’ design philosophy. Genesis’ European lineup includes GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80, offering effortless refinement, intelligent features, and unique interior concepts inspired by ‘the beauty of white space’.
Headquartered in Frankfurt, Genesis Motor Europe operates in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK - as part of its ongoing market growth strategy, the brand will launch in France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands in 2026. Underlining its position as a design-driven performance brand, Genesis will introduce GV60 Magma, its first high performance model, and debut the Genesis Magma Racing LMDh car in the 2026 World Endurance Championship.
For more information about Genesis, please visit www.genesis.com.
