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Department of Travel and Tourism
Senior PGA to Boost Louisville Area Economy
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Officials estimate that more than 60,000 spectators attending the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid will pump about $25 million into the Louisville area economy.
The 72nd Senior PGA, scheduled for May 24-29 at Valhalla Golf Club in eastern Jefferson County, is expected to generate more than 4,350 paid room nights in area hotels just to accommodate official PGA guests and staff, according to the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Spectator room rentals and other spending will bring the total impact to about $25 million, the CVB said.
Established in 1937, the Senior PGA is the most prestigious tournament in senior golf, attracting legends of the game and the newest members of senior pro competition. Expected to compete at Valhalla, rated among the top 100 courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest magazine, are defending champ Tom Lehman, Fred Couples, Tom Watson, Paul Azinger and Kentucky’s own Kenny Perry, Russ Cochran and Ted Schulz.
More than 430 million viewers in 130 territories are expected to watch television coverage of the 2011 championship, providing broad exposure to Valhalla, Louisville and Kentucky.
“The focus of the golf world will again be on Kentucky when this great tournament tees off,” said Kentucky Travel and Tourism Department Commissioner Mike Cooper. “With more than 300 public and private courses to choose from, Kentucky is already considered a top destination for golfers throughout the country.”
Valhalla Golf Club previously hosted the Senior PGA in 2004 and the PGA Championship in 1996 and 2000. The site of the 2008 Ryder Cup competition, Valhalla will again be the site of the PGA Championship in 2014.
A portion of ticket sales will benefit Kentucky charities and non-profits. Tickets are still available by visiting www.2011SeniorPGA.com or calling 800-742-4653.
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The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism is an agency within the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, hich promotes the Commonwealth as a travel destination. Tourism in Kentucky has an economic impact of $11.3 billion, employs about 170,000 people and generates $1.2 billion in taxes.
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