Sarasota County Approves $4.5 Million to Support Senior PGA Championship at The Concession
The Sarasota County Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to allocate $1.5 million annually for three years in support of the Senior PGA Championship, which is scheduled to be held at The Concession Golf Club beginning in 2026. The total contribution amounts to $4.5 million.
Former Florida Senate President Bill Galvano, now an attorney in Bradenton, appeared before the commission to request the funding, following earlier communication with Commission Chair Joe Neunder. Galvano highlighted the economic impact of hosting major events, noting that a significant percentage of attendees return to the area within a year, benefiting local businesses such as restaurants and retail shops.
The Concession Golf Club, located in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, has previously hosted high-profile golf events, including the 2021 World Golf Championship and the 2023 Senior World Champions Cup. The upcoming Senior PGA Championship is expected to be the most prestigious event the club has hosted to date. The venue is also positioning itself as a future host of the PGA Championship, one of golf’s four major tournaments.
Manatee County is also expected to contribute a similar amount over the same period. According to Elliott Falcione, director of the Manatee County Convention and Visitors Bureau, promotional efforts will emphasize the Sarasota-Bradenton regional identity, aligning with the naming convention used by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
In 2023, Sarasota County approved a minimum of $3 million in funding to support a joint bid with Manatee County for the 2031 PGA Championship at The Concession. That event was ultimately awarded to a different venue, and the funds were not used.