How my Chase Sapphire Reserve won me daughter of the year
Editor's Note
I've had my Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) for almost a year now, and it's easily my favorite credit card. I love its automatic annual travel credit and how it allows me to get a facial at the Sapphire Lounge during a layover at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Of course, I also love that it earns bonus Chase Ultimate Rewards points on a wide range of dining.
But when I saw that I could get my parents exclusive VIP tickets to this year's PGA Championship with my Chase Sapphire Reserve, my love for the card reached a new level.
My parents love golf. They gave me my first set of clubs when I was in elementary school, and I grew up thinking that major tournament weekends were national holidays. Much to my parents' disappointment, I never picked up their love for the sport. However, when I learned I could score VIP tickets with my credit card and let them experience the tournament in person rather than watching it at home, I hoped I could redeem myself a bit.
Spoiler: It worked. Here's how my credit card unlocked an experience that made me daughter of the year.
Chase Experiences
Many credit cards come with entertainment access. This can include early access to tickets for concerts and sporting events and exclusive access to these events.
A few months ago, I was perusing the experiences available through the Ultimate Rewards portal and noticed that PGA Championship tickets were available.
Those with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) could purchase basic grounds tickets for cash or points. But as a Sapphire Reserve cardholder, I also had the option to purchase VIP experience tickets for a slightly higher price.
It's worth noting that I found some of the wording in the ticket descriptions confusing. However, I called Chase for clarification, and the agents answered my questions quickly and clearly. Even with this extra step, the process was remarkably painless.
PGA Championship Chase lounge
All Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, along with one guest, could enter the lounge by simply showing their card — even without VIP tickets.
The lounge was an impressive two-story structure on the 11th hole. Inside, guests could help themselves to complimentary snacks, soda and coffee; they could also buy beer, wine, seltzer and cocktails at the bar.
The snacks included a grab-and-go table of cookies and popcorn, and the staff brought around heavier bites throughout the day.
The large structure provided ample indoor and outdoor seating, and each level had a covered outdoor patio area with prime views of the 11th green.
Those looking for a reprieve from the heat could settle into one of the many seating areas in the air-conditioned interior and watch TV coverage of the tournament.
The lounge also featured an exclusive Polaroid photo op with a backdrop designed by a local artist.
Additionally, Chase brought in some unique surprises throughout the tournament, including a bourbon tasting and a viewing of the Wanamaker Trophy.
Even so, I heard several people remark that the best part of the lounge was having access to real restrooms instead of the portable ones located throughout the grounds.
PGA Championship VIP Chase experience
As VIP ticketholders, we could skip the long line to get into the lounge and go straight to our VIP expedited check-in.
We also had access to premium seats in front of the first-level patio. This section had a dedicated wait staff, and VIPs received complimentary beer, wine and seltzer. Even better, these seats were reserved. So if the lounge reached capacity and had a waiting list, we would have still been allowed in and had seats in this area.
Other Chase benefits
The lounge was only available to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, but there were a few benefits available to both Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders.
Grounds tickets through the Ultimate Rewards portal
Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders could purchase grounds tickets for the tournament through the Ultimate Rewards portal even after tickets through the main event website sold out. Additionally, by purchasing through the Ultimate Rewards portal, cardholders could pay for their tickets with Ultimate Rewards points instead of cash.
PGA Shop perks
Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cardholders enjoyed a dedicated checkout line in the PGA Shop throughout the tournament and $20 off a purchase of $150 or more on Sunday.
Complimentary radio
Additionally, Sapphire Preferred and Reserve cardholders could visit a booth near the 10th hole to get a complimentary Chase-branded radio, which streamed live ESPN coverage of the tournament.
Bottom line
It's easy to get caught up in a credit card's earning potential and travel benefits and forget about its entertainment access. However, if concerts and sporting events are important to you, be sure to check out our full list of the best credit cards for VIP access.
If you've been considering adding the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred to your wallet, now is a great time to do so. The Sapphire Reserve offers a welcome bonus of 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. The Sapphire Preferred offers 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
For more details, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred
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| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees