Bushmills Whiskey x PGA Tour

From 2021 to 2025, I led creative direction for the Bushmills x PGA TOUR activation, shaping a multi-year experiential program that brought the brand’s “Follow No One” ethos to life. We crafted a whiskey experience that balanced luxury with a wink—elevating brand visibility through a modern, playful lens while staying rooted in craft, heritage, and artistry, all tailored to resonate with PGA TOUR audiences.

  • The goal of the activation was to create a standout experience that would drive awareness and affinity for Bushmills among PGA TOUR attendees. The experience needed to feel elevated yet approachable, positioning Bushmills as a premium whiskey with cultural relevance and independent spirit. From encouraging longer dwell time within the footprint to increasing product trial through immersive tastings, each element was designed to draw fans in and deepen their relationship with the brand. We also leveraged Bushmills’ sponsorship of PGA TOUR pro Joel Dahmen to create authentic, lighthearted brand moments that increased visibility and shareability.

  • Golf fans attending PGA TOUR events—ranging from seasoned whiskey drinkers to curious casual fans. Many were looking for premium experiences, comfort between rounds, and memorable moments to share on social media. The activation also aimed to attract lifestyle-driven consumers through cultural touchpoints like fashion (Malbon Golf) and tech-forward experiences (VR tastings).

  • As Senior Art Director, I was responsible for leading the creative vision and execution across all aspects of the activation. This included concepting and evolving the visual identity of the Bushmills footprint over multiple years, designing the branded environment and key moments within the space—from immersive bars and signage to styled lounge areas and photo ops. Throughout the process, I maintained alignment with the client’s goals, overseeing the creative across physical, digital, and experiential touchpoints.

  • I collaborated with a creative director on overall vision and strategy, and partnered with a designer to execute visual concepts and spatial design. A project manager, motion designer, producer, and fabricator helped bring the experience to life across multiple tour stops. I also worked closely with account teams and the client to ensure alignment, approvals, and a seamless rollout. The activation was a true team effort, combining creative, production, and strategic expertise.

Joel Dahmen Photo Op Experience

To amplify our Bushmills sponsorship with PGA TOUR pro Joel Dahmen, we created a lighthearted, highly shareable photo opportunity inspired by Bushmill’s key art campaign. Building on the promotion of a signature cocktail—Joel’s Juicy Lie—we brought a scene from the shoot to life with a 3D cutout of Joel lounging in a sand trap, cooler and cocktail in hand. Guests could step into the scene by relaxing in an adjacent lawn chair, surrounded by potted plants in sand-toned textured planters to enhance the laid-back vibe. In select markets, we added real sand flooring for an extra layer of immersive, tongue-in-cheek authenticity.

VR Single Malt Tasting Experience

What began as a guided single malt tasting evolved into an immersive VR experience, offering PGA TOUR attendees a modern, elevated way to connect with the Bushmills brand. Guests could sign up onsite throughout tournament weekends to participate in a curated tasting journey, held within our custom-built footprint. The experience blended tradition and innovation—pairing storytelling and flavor education with cutting-edge technology to deepen engagement and reinforce Bushmills' premium positioning.

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