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•⛳ Potential PGA Tour Event – Walton County is considering hosting a PGA Tour event in fall 2026, with an estimated cost of $6 million per year.
•💰 Economic Impact – The Myrtle Beach Classic was cited as an example, generating over $15 million in economic benefits and long-term tourism growth.
•🏌️ Community Support – A packed TDC meeting showed strong backing from local bed tax collectors, residents, and business owners.
Potential PGA Tour Golf Classic in Walton County
Walton County’s Tourist Development Council (TDC) met on Tuesday, April 1, and was greeted by a standing-room-only crowd of residents. The huge public draw for this meeting was centered around the agenda item supporting the potential recommendation for hosting a Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour that could be held in Walton County in the fall of 2026.
Charles Hamrick, representative for the PGA Tour, made a presentation to the TDC and citizens supporting recent discussions he had with county Marketing and Tourism staff where the focus is taking every opportunity to “put our best face forward to the world.” Making his proposal to do just that, Hamrick shared that there are two main questions that must be considered:
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Is a PGA Tour logistically possible for Walton County?
Because of the financial impacts of tourism, with the end of summer travel and the start of school, the timing for the PGA Tour is very attractive Hamrick said, especially in September for in the southern part of the county that see a significant downturn in tourism and visitors traffic.
The PGA Representative stressed that this effort and the success of this undertaking would be done with Walton County, the PGA Tour staff, constant conversation and involvement by the whole community, like vendors and restaurants.
The second highlight of the presentation revealed a comparison between the recent financial success of the Myrtle Beach Classic, which has had a huge economic and community impact of over $15 million. Additionally, the more long-term impact is that an event of this magnitude benefits Walton County’s successful marketing and offers the opportunity to bring visitors back again and again for vacation.
Local Support By Bed Tax Collectors is Strong
Councilman Bob Lacasse supported the idea and talked about the impacts the tournament would have on everything from property values to the creation of “generational customers.” He believes bringing The Tour to Walton is money well spent. “this has decade implications for jobs and commerce, home owners and residents,” Lacasse argued.
Lacasse asked the packed venue to raise their hand if any attendees were specifically present at the meeting for this agenda item, and his hunch was right. The majority of those in attendance had a hand raised. The councilman continued by asking by a show of hands if those present and raising hands were also bed tax collectors, residents, and voters in Walton County. With a strong response, most every hand remained raised by those in attendance.
Next Steps for Consideration
The outcome is not whether the Tourist Development Council is in favor of this unique opportunity and economic boost for the local economy. They certainly are and voted unanimously in favor of a motion that will be presented to the Board of Commissioners toward the next step in the process of negotiating a potential contract with the PGA Tour. Important factors include but are not limited to a date in the Fall of 2026, and the number of years for the Tour contract. The estimated cost per year for Walton County to enter into a contract with the PGA Tour will be $6 million per year.
