From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Chicago PGA Tour Shortfall
Chicago needs PGA Tour events more than NASCAR.
In brief
Chicago needs PGA Tour events more than NASCAR. Chicago has fewer PGA Tour events than NASCAR since 2023, with the PGA Tour planning to host more events in the city. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Chicago PGA Tour Shortfall
Chicago has fewer PGA Tour events than NASCAR since 2023, with the last event being the 2023 BMW Championship.
PGA Tour's Chicago Gap
Since the Chicago area last hosted a PGA Tour event, NASCAR has been here more than the pro-golf circuit.
Golf Connection
Golf courses and driving ranges in the metropolitan area total in the hundreds, but the PGA Tour has not visited Chicago since 2023.
Presidents Cup Event
The PGA Tour hosts the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club this week, the first event in Chicago since the 2023 BMW Championship.
PGA Tour CEO
Brian Rolapp, the new PGA Tour CEO, came from the NFL where he spent 22 years as the league’s chief media and business officer.
Chicago Market
Chicago is a large media market with great golf courses and fans that the PGA Tour wants to visit more often.
Event Challenges
Hosting a PGA Tour event requires significant construction and maintenance, with Medinah Course No. 3 needing six months of work.
Club Membership
Medinah Course No. 3 has stadium seating for 5,000 and suites scattered across the course for members.
Event Impact
The BMW Championship at Conway Farms hosted events in 2013, 2015, and 2017 but membership has discussed whether to host again.
Sponsorship Costs
Title sponsorships for a standard annual event cost roughly $15 million, and top-tier events can be double that.
Player Support
Scottie Scheffler and Corey Connors both support the PGA Tour hosting more events in Chicago.
Future Plans
The PGA Tour is working to host events in Chicago’s large media markets, but it’s a challenge with limited windows for construction.
Chicago's Potential
Chicago has great golf courses and fans that the PGA Tour should visit more often, but it’s a challenge to host events there.
Next Steps
The PGA Tour plans to host more events in Chicago, but it will take time to find the right balance between construction and community needs.
The takeaway
Chicago has fewer PGA Tour events than NASCAR since 2023, with the PGA Tour planning to host more events in the city.
