ROCHESTER, N.Y. – When the PGA Tour returns in Oak Hill Country Club, it will bring throngs to Rochester, and inject millions into the local economy.
Greater Rochester Enterprise, a business development organization that promotes the Rochester area as a place where businesses can grow and thrive, projects the PGA Championship in 2023 will attract 225,000 spectators, and generate $190 million for the region.
GRE released a study on the economic impact of the event, which predicts that more than 1,200 jobs will be created at Oak Hill Country Club and local restaurants, hotels and retail establishments. According to the study, the event is expected to generate an estimated $19.2 in fiscal revenue for the state and local governments in the form sales, income and other taxes.
The benefits of the tournament will last well beyond the 15-21 May week.
Matt Hurlbutt is president and CEO of GRE. He said, “This major event is an opportunity for Rochester to shine a spotlight on its many reasons for being the perfect place to play championship-level golf as well as for businesses to grow, and to tap into the highly skilled local workforce.”
The breakdown of money
Throughout the week, more than 225,000 people are expected to attend. Tickets cost between $55 and $215. Around 39 percent of ticket holders visiting Rochester will be from further than 100 miles.
Fans will travel with their wallets. According to a GRE study, approximately 6,000 local hotel rooms are expected to be booked per night at an average of $350 per room, for an average stay 2 1/2 nights. The GRE study estimates that these ticket holders will spend on average $125 per day. This includes off-site purchases for food, beverage, and transportation.
Hurlbut warned that those who haven’t reserved a room yet may find it difficult to get a room during the tournament. The week is already fully booked at many local hotels, and restaurants and bars around the course are preparing for a large crowd.
More than 10,000 attendees with credentials will also be in town for approximately six days. The 156 golfers on the course, PGA officials and staff, players’ support staff, families, and working media are all included. The tournament is expected to bring in an additional $8 million from these credentialed guests.
Sales of corporate tents/tables and concessions will generate additional revenue. There is also the cost of maintaining and constructing the chalets, on-site facilities and security at the event.
The GRE study estimates that the tournament will generate $110,000,000 in direct revenue and $43,000,000 in indirect revenue. It also projects $37,000,000 in induced expenditure.
Rochester has hosted major golf tournaments before. Locust Hill Country Club hosted the LPGA Tour every year from 1977 to 2009. The LPGA Championship took place here from 2010 to 2014
Oak Hill Country Club, the only American golf course that has hosted all six major men’s golf championships rotating in the United States, including the 1995 Ryder Cup as well as the 1998 U.S. Amateur Championship. The PGA Championship will be held on the historic course for the fourth consecutive year. Oak Hill has played host to 13 major tournaments. The U.S. Amateur again in 2027.
“Rochester has a strong golfing culture.” Hurlbutt added: “I think you saw it in the reactions to the hospitality venues.” “You have a lot people in the community who snapped up those tickets.”
