Economic Impact of a PGA Tournament (McGladrey Classic) on Surrounding Area

Dominique Halaby, Benjamin McKay, Kristen Ruhland   
(Georgia Southern University, USA)

Abstract: This study estimated the economic impact of the 2013 McGladrey Classic Golf Tournament (since renamed the RSM Classic) on Glynn County, Georgia. It was held at the Sea Island Golf Club, Seaside Course on Sea Island, Georgia in early November (7th through the 10th). This tournament is one of the stops for the PGA TOUR. The direct impacts were generated from spending from out-of-town visitors. These visitors included spectators, volunteers, title sponsor guests and the staff of the broadcast partner. In order to estimate the total amount of spending related to this event, the research team administered a survey to both volunteers online, prior to the event, and to spectators in person at the event. Additional expenditure data for the Golf Channel staff and McGladrey guests was provided by the Davis Love Foundation, host of this tournament.

Key words: sports tourism; golf tourism; event economic impacts

JEL codes: Z200