*Editor's note: Gina P. has been a Hilton Grand Vacations Member since 2010, and this is her story. 

I became a Hilton Grand Vacations Member to go on fabulous vacations around the globe. However, when I first became a Member, I didn't realize the many other benefits of timeshare, such as the opportunity to attend once-in-a-lifetime events. With HGV Ultimate Access*, Hilton Grand Vacations Members can access special experiences for memorable vacations. 

For example, after booking a recent trip to Orlando, I discovered that the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions was scheduled a week before my arrival. 

   

I'm new to golf, and admittedly, I was unsure whether live golf would be interesting, but my partner is a huge golf fan and wanted to go, so I figured, why not? We changed our itinerary so that we could attend.

I had never been to a golf tournament before, so I had no idea what to expect. However, the event was more than I could have imagined. Hilton Grand Vacations thought of everything; transportation, refreshments and other logistics most of us would have forgotten in the planning process. They made it easy to attend, and the Hilton Grand Vacations touch was obvious throughout. I could tell that every part was created with Members like me in mind. 

"This event was truly like a vacation in itself. We just sat back and enjoyed the experience."

We met golf professionals along with sports legends, comedians and television personalities — as in, we were able to really meet them and follow players throughout the course. In addition, we took pictures with golf professionals and celebrities such as Jack Wagner, Larry the Cable Guy, Joe Carter and let's not forget the winner – Derek Lowe! 

Participants in the event were friendly and, in some cases, even asked us if we would like to take selfies with them. 

I had no idea that this event would be so interactive and fun. Not only did I fall in love with golf, but I realized that I now have the opportunity to attend this event every year.

When I see these athletes on TV, I can tell my friends and family that I met that person!

I can’t wait to attend other HGV Ultimate Access events in the future. Being at the tournament, meeting the players, learning about golf were great, but what stood out the most was how it felt.

"It felt like home, even with thousands of participants - it felt like I was among friends."

Read "3 Members Explain Why The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions Is The Travel Experience Of A Lifetime" and discover what other Members have to say about this unique travel experience. 

*To attend HGV Ultimate Access events (valued between $500-3500), Guests must attend a membership portfolio review or timeshare presentation after the event, during their same stay. If you do not attend the membership review or timeshare presentation, the retail value of the event may be charged to your credit card. HGV Ultimate Access events are subject to availability, nontransferable and subject to change without notice. Experience fee applies, minimum of $99 per event, to be paid at time of booking. Offer dates may change due to event availability. Offers may not be used in conjunction with any other promotion.