DUBLIN, Ohio — The Memorial Tournament does not officially tee off until Thursday, but tournament week is already bringing visitors — and business — to Dublin.

What You Need To Know

The Memorial Tournament is expected to generate about $35 million in economic impact for Dublin

Visitors are already arriving for practice rounds ahead of the tournament’s official start Thursday

City leaders say the tournament helps boost hotels, restaurants and local businesses while drawing attention to Dublin and central Ohio

Practice rounds began Monday at Muirfield Village Golf Club, where fans started moving through the course days before the first official round.

City leaders said the tournament generates about $35 million in economic impact, with that money reaching beyond the course and into hotels, restaurants, local businesses and other parts of the region.

For Kendra Battershell and her husband, the tournament was also a way to celebrate a milestone.

“This is our 30th anniversary, and we wanted to celebrate it in a way that would work for both of us,” Battershell said.

The couple traveled from Fort Wayne, Indiana, with tickets for the week. They arrived early, before the larger crowds arrive.

“He follows Scottie Scheffler. I follow Rory, so we may have a bit of a conflict there,” Battershell said. “Can’t agree on everything.”

For Battershell, Dublin’s location is part of the draw.

“So this is perfect because this is the heart of where America is, and for them to have a golf outing here, for me, it’s ideal,” she said.

The trip will also extend beyond the tournament.

“We’ll spend time in Dublin. There’s some great restaurants here… and then the other place we’ll definitely hit is the zoo,” Battershell said.

Dublin Economic Development Director Jeremiah Gracia said that is the kind of impact city leaders hope to see during tournament week.

“It is one of the most impactful weeks for our hospitality and tourism industry, and obviously also a big impact on our business community,” Gracia said.

Gracia said the tournament helps bring people into the city at the start of the summer travel season. From there, leaders hope visitors will come back for other attractions and events, including the Dublin Irish Festival, Historic Dublin, Bridge Park and local parks and open spaces.

Practice rounds continue Tuesday and Wednesday. The Pro-Am is scheduled for Wednesday, before tournament play begins on Thursday.