Full Breakdown
PGA Tour Returns to Asheville with Biltmore Championship
11/13/2025, 8:35:28 PM
Historic Return of Professional Golf to Asheville
The PGA Tour is set to return to Asheville, North Carolina, for the first time in over 80 years, with the inaugural Biltmore Championship scheduled for September 17-20, 2026. This event will be part of the FedEx Cup Fall series and will take place at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. The tournament is co-sponsored by the Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville, marking a significant milestone for the region's sports and tourism sectors.
The last PGA Tour event in Asheville was the Land of the Sky Open, which ran from 1939 to 1942. Notably, Ben Hogan won his first PGA Tour title there in 1940. The return of professional golf is expected to attract over 100 players and thousands of spectators, generating millions in direct spending for local businesses.
Economic and Community Impact
Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville, emphasized the positive economic impact the tournament will have, stating it will "shine a light on the beauty of our region" and support the local hospitality community. Mark Hemphill, chief marketing officer of Biltmore, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the enduring benefits of hosting a world-class golf tournament in the area.
The Biltmore Championship is anticipated to contribute significantly to the local economy, similar to other PGA Tour events in North Carolina, such as the Truist Championship and the Wyndham Championship, which have generated substantial economic benefits in the past.
Official Statements & Responses
Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour Chief Competitions Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are honored to partner with Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville on this exciting new event.” He noted the importance of the tournament in reviving Asheville's PGA Tour legacy.
Isley added, “The PGA Tour’s Biltmore Championship in Asheville will draw more than 100 players, thousands of spectators, millions of dollars in direct spending for area businesses, and hours of live national television coverage.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the addition of the Biltmore Championship is celebrated, some industry observers have raised concerns regarding the PGA Tour's strategy of expanding its fall schedule amidst discussions of "scarcity" by new CEO Brian Rolapp. Critics argue that increasing the number of events could dilute the competitive landscape, especially when fewer PGA Tour cards are available.
What's Next
The Biltmore Championship will be part of a broader strategy to enhance the PGA Tour's fall schedule, which also includes the recently announced Good Good Championship in Austin, Texas. As the PGA Tour prepares for this new chapter in Asheville, the focus will be on ensuring a successful event that benefits both players and the local community.
The Biltmore Championship is poised to not only revive Asheville's historical connection to professional golf but also to create lasting economic and social impacts in the region.
