Sarasota-Bradenton looking to lure a PGA Championship

The PGA of America has the majority of its PGA Championships scheduled out through the next decade, but there are still empty holes in the docket. And since the major tournament moved from August to May, the state of Florida has become much more palatable as a destination.

As the sites for 2031, 2032 and 2033 are still to be determined, a group from the Sarasota, Florida, area is hoping to put together an attractive bid that could persuade the powers that be to give the Sunshine State just its third PGA Championship in history. Jack Nicklaus won at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens during the 1971 season while Larry Nelson won on the same course in 1987.

Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, is on deck. In 2024, it will host its fourth PGA Championship. The Nicklaus design opened in 1986.

According to a story produced by the Community News Collaborative, a non-profit that works with news organizations in the area, local politicians are trying to line up funding for the event.

Sarasota County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to direct county staffers to return on Sept. 26 with funding options for a $3 million sponsorship of The PGA Championship. If the location were to be selected, the event would be played at The Concession Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch in May of 2031 or 2033.

In two weeks, commissioners would likely be briefed on where the money could be found through the Tourist Development Tax fund, which draws revenue from short-term rentals and hotel rooms in Sarasota County. A vote to move ahead could follow.

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis told commissioners on Tuesday that Manatee County is proceeding with a primary sponsorship package of $6 million, if the location is chosen. According to a letter to commissioners from Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, the PGA of America’s board is expected to make a decision on the tournament location in November.

“This is a massive opportunity,’’ Commissioner Mike Moran said. “It cannot be ignored the economic driver and stimulus it can create for a community. I hope we’re sending a strong, hard message that we’re in full support of this.’’

Haley wrote that 2023 PGA Championship, played in Rochester, N.Y., was responsible for a $190 million economic impact. Greater Rochester Enterprise estimated 225,000 spectators attended, with about 39% arriving from more than 100 miles away.