Multi-Brand Partnership Extends Across On-Course Activations Heineken Beverages has announced a two-year partnership with the Icons Series for the Icons Cup South Africa, running December 11–13 at The Links at Fancourt in George. Windhoek Beer will serve as Official Beer Partner, while Savanna Cider and Amarula Liqueur join as Official Cider and Cream Liqueur Partners. The tournament brings together athletes from multiple sports disciplines in a team match-play format. Ernie Els will captain Team South Africa, featuring cricketers Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers, rugby player Schalk Burger, and others. José María Olazábal leads Team World, which includes footballer John Terry, cricket legend Brian Lara, and tennis champion Ash Barty.

Activation Across Venue and Retail Windhoek Beer will anchor the "19th Hole" experience where players and spectators gather after daily play. Savanna Cider and Amarula Liqueur will operate supporting fan experiences across the fairways and grounds. Pre-tournament promotions at Western Cape golf courses and George retail outlets begin November 1, offering purchase rewards and ticket giveaways. "The Icons Cup brings together world-class game-changers in an authentic environment, making it the perfect fit for Heineken Beverages and our brand portfolio," said Kavir Gangiah, Head of Consumer Experience and Sponsorships at Heineken Beverages. "With Windhoek taking the lead and launching the 19th Hole, its new experience platform, bringing people together beyond the course through great draught, live entertainment and refreshingly real experiences. Savanna bringing signature unscripted comedic banter but this time to the fairways, and Amarula hosting premium sunset celebrations under African sky, we are delivering unforgettable experiences across every fan occasion." Thomas Brookes, CEO and Founder of the Icons Series, added: "Heineken Beverages are one of the world's most accomplished brands, synonymous with world-class partnerships in South Africa. The way we have worked together over the past few months has shaped this into the exciting collaboration it has become. Each of their brands will add something genuine for the fans at The Links and the audience watching at home. This deal sets the standard for how we want to work with every partner that engages with us."

Why It Matters

The Icons Cup represents a growing convergence between premium beverage sponsorship and experiential sports entertainment. For venues and operators, the integration of multiple brand touchpoints—from on-course activations to pre-event retail promotions—demonstrates how alcohol portfolios are expanding beyond traditional broadcast partnerships into comprehensive fan engagement strategies.


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Written by FBM Publications Editors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Icons Cup and when is it happening?

The Icons Cup is a team match-play golf tournament running December 11–13 at The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa. It brings together world-class athletes from multiple sports—cricket, rugby, football, and tennis—competing in a two-team format led by Ernie Els (Team South Africa) and José María Olazábal (Team World).

Which Heineken Beverages brands are involved in this sponsorship?

Windhoek Beer is the Official Beer Partner and anchor tenant of the 19th Hole experience, while Savanna Cider and Amarula Liqueur serve as Official Cider and Cream Liqueur Partners respectively. This multi-brand strategy gives Heineken Beverages full portfolio coverage across the tournament's three-day activation.

What retail and promotional opportunities start November 1?

Pre-tournament promotions launch November 1 across Western Cape golf courses and George retail outlets, featuring purchase rewards and ticket giveaways. Retailers should expect demand signals from golfers and sports fans in the region during this five-week window leading into the December event.

Where will fans experience these brands on-course?

Windhoek anchors the 19th Hole gathering spot where players and spectators meet after daily play, featuring draught service and live entertainment. Savanna Cider and Amarula Liqueur operate supporting fan experiences across the fairways and grounds, with Amarula specifically hosting premium sunset celebrations.

How long is Heineken Beverages committed to this partnership?

This is a two-year sponsorship agreement, meaning distributors should expect sustained retail support and brand presence at the Icons Cup through at least 2026. The multi-year commitment signals serious investment in South African sports marketing and premium lifestyle positioning.