The PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club pumped $192 million into Charlotte’s economy last year. That makes it one of the biggest tourism wins the city has seen.
Tourism Economics, a Philadelphia firm, ran the numbers. They worked with the PGA of America and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, who paid for the work.
Fans and organizers spent $116 million straight up during tournament week. Where’d the money go? Hotels. Restaurants. Getting around town. The usual expenses when people visit.
“I think it’s great — $192 million of economic impact to this community and this state is fantastic,” said Johno Harris, general chairman of the 2025 PGA Championship to the Charlotte Business Journal
The PGA of America runs the PGA Championship — it’s one of four major championships in men’s golf. Quail Hollow Club got to host, which meant thousands of people showed up.
CBJ got hold of the report. The study tracked how the championship hit the local economy from every angle.
Tourism Economics looked at spending habits and visitor information from tournament week. They know their stuff when it comes to big sporting events and conventions.
That $192 million counts both what visitors spent and the ripple effects. When someone buys lunch, that money keeps moving through the economy, touching other businesses along the way.
Charlotte’s had big golf tournaments before. This one delivered more cash than most. People flew in from all over — some from different countries — and stuck around for the week.
The visitors authority wanted hard data on what the tournament was worth. Local leaders check these reports to see if bringing in major sports events pays off.
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority tries to land big events. Championships like this one fill hotel rooms, pack restaurants, and keep local businesses humming.
Quail Hollow Club has hosted top-tier golf before. The course has seen elite players and major tournaments come through over time.