PGA Championship a major driver of spending in the area

When Oak Hill Country Club hosts golf’s major events, it’s with the Greater Rochester in mind, not just the Pittsford club.

“It happens to be at Oak Hill but we portray it as a community event,” says Ron Pluta, the tournament chair.

The economic impact numbers validate that mantra.

The 2023 PGA Championship, which runs from May 15-21 at Oak Hill, will have an estimated economic impact of $190 million on the region, according to a report released today by Greater Rochester Enterprise.

“For the Rochester hospitality industry, this has a major impact,” GRE president and CEO Matt Hurlbutt said.

The economic impact figure includes direct, indirect and induced impact from the three practice days on Monday through Wednesday and four days of competition on Thursday through Sunday, as well as pre-tournament construction that began last fall and post-play tear-down that will run into June.

GRE’s study showed that:

» an average of 6,000 hotel rooms across the area will be booked each night at an average rate of $350;

» Of the 225,000 spectators expected for the seven-day event, approximately 39 percent live more than 100 miles from Rochester. They will spend an average of $125 per day on food, transportation and other items (excluding lodging) during an average stay of 2.5 days, pumping $9 million into the local economy;

» More than 10,000 credentialed attendees also will spend an estimated $8 million during what will be an average six-day stay;

» More than $19 million will be collected in state and county taxes;

» The event will support 1,233 temporary, part- and full-time jobs.

The GRE study determined there would be $110 million in direct spending, $43 million in indirect spending and $37 in induced spending.

“I know that our guests will fall in love with Monroe County because we are rich in history, a hotbed of civil rights and industrial innovation, and renowned for our food and beverage industries,” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said in a news release. “With our superior museums and cultural activities; wineries, distilleries and craft breweries; breathtaking parks and natural resources; and unique small businesses — there’s something for everyone.”

Spectator sports companies will see the greatest impact on employment (522 jobs), followed by construction and maintenance (155), food and drink establishments (94), hotels and accommodation (36) and real estate (22).

An ancillary impact could be felt in the months and years to come. GRE and other leaders will be using the event to showcase Rochester to the world through on-course corporate hospitality venues and functions.

“The PGA is significant and it’s brand is global,” Hurlbutt said. “This certainly puts us on a global stage. This shines a spotlight not only on Oak Hill, Rochester and golf, but also on business leaders and how this area comes together.

“The opportunity to be in a more relaxed setting is also a key selling point.”

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