The Walton County Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously approved a recommendation Tuesday to pursue a partnership with the PGA Tour that could bring a professional golf tournament to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort beginning in 2026. Sandestin owns 4 championship golf courses within the 2400-acre resort.

• The council voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) negotiate a contract for a September PGA Tour event, with terms ranging from two to five years. The proposal calls for a $6 million annual investment with a 5% escalator each year.

Charles Hamrick, Senior Director of Business Development for the PGA Tour, presented the opportunity at the TDC’s February meeting and returned Tuesday to address questions and concerns raised by council members.

“This is a platform that makes a lot of sense for this county,” Hamrick told the council. He cited Myrtle Beach as a compelling example of success, noting their first-year event generated approximately $15 million in direct economic impact to the local economy. The Walton County event could produce similar results while also delivering an estimated $84 million in media value.

The potential tournament would be scheduled during September’s “shoulder season,” when tourism naturally declines in the area. TDC members expressed support for the timing, noting it could help extend employment opportunities for hospitality workers.

Several bed tax funding options were discussed, including using a portion of the $22.4 million currently held in the “New Product/Shoulder Season” reserve fund. Council members also instructed staff to actively pursue potential co-sponsors to offset some costs.

The meeting featured strong public support for the proposal, with numerous hospitality workers and business owners speaking in favor of the tournament. Several speakers emphasized the benefit to local workers who face reduced hours during slower months.

• “I see the struggle, the layoffs, the cut hours,” said one speaker who identified herself as a local hospitality worker. “Anything I can do to keep those employees working and to keep their families fed, I want to do that.”

Another resident called the proposed event “a fantastic opportunity for all of us” and “a no-brainer.” She shared a text message from a local server who had previously waited on professional golfer Lee Trevino, describing how the golfer’s party generated substantial tips and spending during their visit.

The council’s recommendation specifies that negotiations should include a TDC member who is also a bed tax collector. The motion passed 9-0 and now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration.

• If approved, Walton County would join destinations like Myrtle Beach in hosting PGA Tour events specifically designed to drive tourism during traditionally slower seasons.

Matt Algarin, Walton County Tourism Director, noted that the PGA would establish a local tournament staff of four to five people to handle logistics, working with local government, the sheriff’s department, hoteliers, and other stakeholders.

The contract, if approved by county commissioners, would ultimately return to the TDC as part of their strategic planning and budget process before being finalized.