Sarasota, Manatee leaders pursue return of major PGA golf event
Professional golf’s biggest stars could return to the Sarasota-Manatee County area in less than 10 years for one of the sport’s four most prestigious events.
Sarasota County commissioners this week directed the county staff to return on Sept. 26 with funding options for a $3 million sponsorship of the PGA Championship. If the location were to be selected, the event would be played at The Concession Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch in May 2031 or 2033.
In two weeks, commissioners would likely be briefed on how money could used from the Tourist Development Tax, which draws revenue from short-term rentals and hotel rooms in Sarasota County. A vote to move ahead could follow.
County Administrator Jonathan Lewis told commissioners on Tuesday that Manatee County is proceeding with a primary sponsorship package of $6 million, if the location is chosen. According to a letter to commissioners from Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, the PGA of America’s board is expected to decide on the tournament location in November.
Tour sites have been set through 2030, and the 2034 tournament is planned for Frisco, Texas. The PGA Championship has been played twice in Florida – 1987 and 1971, both in Palm Beach Gardens.
The PGA Championship in May follows the Masters (April) in a sequence that also includes the U.S. Open (June) and the British Open (July) among the four major events.
“This is a massive opportunity,’’ Commissioner Mike Moran said. “It cannot be ignored for the economic driver and stimulus it can create for a community. I hope we’re sending a strong, hard message that we’re in full support of this.’’
Commissioners were unanimous in their approval.
“I just think this is a huge win for our area,” Commission Chair Ron Cutsinger said.
Haley wrote that the 2023 PGA Championship, played in Rochester, N.Y., was responsible for a $190 million economic impact. Greater Rochester Enterprise estimated 225,000 spectators attended, with about 39% arriving from more than 100 miles away.
Brooks Koepka won the most recent event.
The Concession in 2021 hosted a World Golf Championship event that had originally been scheduled in Mexico, but was moved because of COVID-19 travel concerns. It drew 47 of the world’s top 50 players.
In December, the course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin is scheduled to host the World Champions Cup, an international event for senior professionals.