COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)\u2013 The Masters Golf Tournament is underway and while the tournament takes place in Augusta, it has a huge impact in the Midlands.<\/p>\n
Augusta is located less than an hour away from Columbia.<\/p>\n
What is arguably the nation\u2019s \u2018most prestigious golf tournament\u2019 brings millions to Columbia\u2019s restaurants, hotels, and other tourism related industries.<\/p>\n
According to Experience Columbia, during last year\u2019s Masters hotel occupancy was at nearly 90% in the Capitol City.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven though it\u2019s played across the state line in Georgia, South Carolina\u2019s economy is positively impacted by the Masters tournament. Columbia is one of the major airports that attendees are flying into, hence why you see \u2018welcome golf visitors\u2019 on the street flags around Columbia this week. Our accommodations, restaurants, and attractions from North Augusta up I-20 past Columbia see an increase in visitor traffic during Masters Week. Downtown today, there were plenty of visitors exploring State House grounds and Main Street in their Masters Green and Augusta National logo apparel. South Carolina is a destination known for golf, so as tournament attendees plan their trips, our proximity and more than 350 golf courses make us an ideal home base for their trip itinerary.<\/p>\n
Additionally, undergrads from the University of South Carolina will work at the tournament through a partnership with USC Sports. That provides them with real-world experience on one of sports\u2019 biggest stages, and they bring those skills back to South Carolina to boost their resumes and empower their future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2013Duane Parrish, Director of South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism<\/p>\n