LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Golf fans will get a break from the rain just in time for the first day of play for the PGA Championship.
Visitors are already traveling into Louisville and could bring another economic boom to the city just two weeks after Derby 150.
On Thursday, many spectators and PGA members took time to play a round of golf themselves and visit other destinations in the area.
Two local golf courses are seeing an increase in guests from across the world thanks to the tournament. When visitors are not at Valhalla, they're enjoying other golf courses and their amenities bringing in a spike in revenue.
Eric Gilliland, director of golf at the Audubon Country Club, said the extra revenue is beneficial to the club.
"It's not something you plan on, but it's really a nice to start the season with that kind of revenue impact for sure," Gilliland said.
The club has been welcoming new faces this entire week, and have reservations to continue welcoming out of town guests.
"Oh, it's amazing," Gilliland said. "They literally come from anywhere in the county. We have a group from a country club in Oregon. We also have the past presidents and some PGA of America officers that are playing here today."
Gilliland personally welcomed that group to Kentucky, and they were invited to play a round of golf on their course.
Former president of PGA of America Jim Remy said they enjoy their time in Louisville and it's a fantastic place to host the championship. He went on to say the organization leaves an impression is each host city.
"Great opportunity to the community, they bring spectators and help the economy," Remy said. "It'll be amazing when you take a look next week after what goes on this week."
Seneca Golf Course is also feeling the tourism impact despite a the rainy weather conditions. Kevin Greenwell, with the venue, said he's been welcoming new faces stopping by to play a game.
"In the midst of the off and on rain we had, somebody from Colorado came in [and] they played nine holes and it started raining," Greenwell said. "They didn't get to finish all 18."
He said spectators of the championship have been swinging by and also visiting other tourist destinations in the area.
"Following up right behind Derby I think everybody knows that Louisville does Derby really well," Greenwell said. "Louisville, I think our community can do anything well."
But that leaves to question if the organization will come back to Derby City for a future championship tournament. Greenwell said he hopes PGA of America will consider it.
"I would bet we'll be back," Remy said. "Valhalla is a wonderful spot to host a major championship. The folks out there have been incredible partners. Louisville is a great place to go."
As the city enjoys this current economic boom, we may be a few rounds away from getting to host the championship tournament in the upcoming years.
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