Could the Roar of the Crowd Replace the Quiet Shoulder Season? Walton County Eyes PGA Tour Partnership
Imagine this: a crisp September day at Sandestin, the manicured greens gleaming, not just with the usual dew, but with the excitement of a major PGA Tour event. That vision got a significant boost Tuesday as the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) threw its unanimous support behind exploring a partnership to bring exactly that – a professional golf tournament – to the famed resort, potentially starting in 2026.
Sandestin, already boasting four championship courses within its sprawling 2,400 acres, could become the annual host for golf's elite. The TDC's vote sends a strong recommendation to the County Commissioners: let's negotiate a deal. The proposal envisions a tournament locked in for two to five years, held smack-dab in the September "shoulder season," that typically quieter time between the summer rush and the winter snowbirds.
Charles Hamrick, representing the PGA Tour, painted a compelling picture for the council. Think Myrtle Beach, he suggested, where a similar event injected roughly $15 million directly into the local economy in its first year alone. For Walton County, the potential payoff looks similar, plus an estimated $84 million in media exposure – putting South Walton's beauty on screens far and wide.
But the buzz wasn't just about big numbers. It was about people. The timing is key – holding a major event in September could be a game-changer for the hospitality workforce. As tourism naturally dips, hours get cut, and jobs become precarious. The council chamber echoed with support from local workers and business owners who see this as more than just golf; it's a lifeline.
"I see the struggle, the layoffs, the cut hours," shared one hospitality worker, her voice resonating with the council. "Anything I can do to keep those employees working and to keep their families fed, I want to do that."
Another resident chimed in, calling it "a fantastic opportunity for all of us" and frankly, "a no-brainer." She even shared a story about a local server's lucrative encounter waiting on golf legend Lee Trevino – a small taste of the kind of spending such an event could attract.
Of course, bringing the PGA Tour to town requires investment – specifically, a proposed $6 million annually (with a 5% yearly increase). The council discussed tapping into the hefty $22.4 million currently sitting in the "New Product/Shoulder Season" reserve fund, fueled by bed taxes. They also tasked staff with hunting down co-sponsors to help foot the bill, ensuring community benefit remains the priority.
The path forward involves the Board of County Commissioners negotiating the finer points, with a TDC member who collects bed taxes directly involved in the talks. If the BCC gives the green light, the PGA Tour plans to embed a small, dedicated team of four or five people locally to manage the tournament logistics, working hand-in-glove with everyone from the Sheriff's department to local hoteliers.
The recommendation passed with a resounding 9-0 vote. While the final decision rests with the County Commissioners, the message from the TDC and the community was clear: bringing the PGA Tour to Sandestin isn't just about filling hotel rooms in the off-season; it's about boosting the local economy, supporting workers, and showcasing Walton County on a global stage. The ball is now rolling toward the commissioners' court.
Imagine this: a crisp September day at Sandestin, the manicured greens gleaming, not just with the usual dew, but with the excitement of a major PGA Tour event. That vision got a significant boost Tuesday as the Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) threw its unanimous support behind exploring a partnership to bring exactly that – a professional golf tournament – to the famed resort, potentially starting in 2026.
Sandestin, already boasting four championship courses within its sprawling 2,400 acres, could become the annual host for golf's elite. The TDC's vote sends a strong recommendation to the County Commissioners: let's negotiate a deal. The proposal envisions a tournament locked in for two to five years, held smack-dab in the September "shoulder season," that typically quieter time between the summer rush and the winter snowbirds.
Charles Hamrick, representing the PGA Tour, painted a compelling picture for the council. Think Myrtle Beach, he suggested, where a similar event injected roughly $15 million directly into the local economy in its first year alone. For Walton County, the potential payoff looks similar, plus an estimated $84 million in media exposure – putting South Walton's beauty on screens far and wide.
But the buzz wasn't just about big numbers. It was about people. The timing is key – holding a major event in September could be a game-changer for the hospitality workforce. As tourism naturally dips, hours get cut, and jobs become precarious. The council chamber echoed with support from local workers and business owners who see this as more than just golf; it's a lifeline.
"I see the struggle, the layoffs, the cut hours," shared one hospitality worker, her voice resonating with the council. "Anything I can do to keep those employees working and to keep their families fed, I want to do that."
Another resident chimed in, calling it "a fantastic opportunity for all of us" and frankly, "a no-brainer." She even shared a story about a local server's lucrative encounter waiting on golf legend Lee Trevino – a small taste of the kind of spending such an event could attract.
Of course, bringing the PGA Tour to town requires investment – specifically, a proposed $6 million annually (with a 5% yearly increase). The council discussed tapping into the hefty $22.4 million currently sitting in the "New Product/Shoulder Season" reserve fund, fueled by bed taxes. They also tasked staff with hunting down co-sponsors to help foot the bill, ensuring community benefit remains the priority.
The path forward involves the Board of County Commissioners negotiating the finer points, with a TDC member who collects bed taxes directly involved in the talks. If the BCC gives the green light, the PGA Tour plans to embed a small, dedicated team of four or five people locally to manage the tournament logistics, working hand-in-glove with everyone from the Sheriff's department to local hoteliers.
The recommendation passed with a resounding 9-0 vote. While the final decision rests with the County Commissioners, the message from the TDC and the community was clear: bringing the PGA Tour to Sandestin isn't just about filling hotel rooms in the off-season; it's about boosting the local economy, supporting workers, and showcasing Walton County on a global stage. The ball is now rolling toward the commissioners' court.
