UPS, the world's largest package delivery company, has been named the “Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup.”

The partnership agreement begins with the 2018 Ryder Cup, which will be contested at Le Golf National in France from September 28-30, and extends through the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

UPS – which shipped 5.1 billion packages and documents last year – will host an onsite shipping center for merchandise purchased at the 2018 and 2020 Ryder Cups. In addition, UPS will serve as ticket shipping provider for both events.

“The Ryder Cup is a global sporting event, so it is fitting that we have the support of a global brand in UPS, starting with the 2018 Ryder Cup in France,” said European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills.

“We are delighted that UPS and its vast global logistics network will serve as the Worldwide Supplier of the Ryder Cup,” said PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price. “The tradition and passion of the Ryder Cup is unequalled in sport, and we are excited that UPS will deliver to fans some of the most coveted merchandise and keepsake memorabilia in the game.”

UPS recently opened a $100 million, 30,000 square-meter advanced technology package sorting and delivery hub outside Paris in Corbeil-Essonnes/Évry, employing nearly 1,000 people.

“UPS will bring global reach and an extensive portfolio of services to Ryder Cup fans who have traveled from around the world to Paris,” said UPS Chief Marketing Officer Kevin Warren. “UPS has a long history of supporting marquee, global events. With our new facility in France, we are uniquely positioned to connect Ryder Cup fans at the event with the world.”

In 1927, English seed merchant Samuel A. Ryder presented the Ryder Cup to The Professional Golfers’ Association of Great Britain as a prize for an international competition between American and British professional golfers. Since 1979, the Ryder Cup, one of the pre-eminent events in sports, which was founded on prestige, rather than prize money, pits the best American professional golfers against those of Europe.