Washington County sees economic boost with PGA Tour’s return to Black Desert

IVINS, Utah (ABC4) — With year two of the PGA Tour kicking off today at the Black Desert Resort, Washington County is quickly becoming known as a premier golf destination, with 14 courses all within 20 miles.

Greater Zion’s Chad McWilliams said that golf alone drives an estimated $180 million into Washington County each year, and with the PGA back at Black Desert, that impact reaches even further, fueling local jobs, services and small businesses all across the community.

“This takes thousands of people to put an event like this on,” McWilliams said. “But Black Desert is also spending that money within our own community. All the stuff from hardware to police services to everything you can think of, this event touches within our community to help spread those dollars out.”

Local businesses are feeling the effects too, with tourists and golf fans pouring in from all over the country. Kyle Fosselman with Rampage Rental and Repair said they’ve seen a big increase in the number of customers when the PGA is in town.

“I think last Saturday, we sent out 60 or 70 bikes,” Fosselman added. “So compared to a 40-bike weekend, it’s pretty good.”

And it’s not just the number of rentals that’s up. The PGA crowd is bring in visitors from far beyond southern Utah, adding a different kind of energy to his shop this week.

“This week is nothing but golf polos and khaki shorts,” Fosselman said. “We’ve had probably six or seven different states that we try to ask everybody where they’re from. So, we’ve had people from all over the place come in.”

And for local leaders, the goal is to keep that momentum going even after the final putt drops.

“We want them to come here and go out to eat and spend time here within Washington County, because the economic impact is great and it’s a year-round impact,” McWilliams said.

From locals to visitors flying in from across the country, thousands are in southern Utah taking in the action. And with the PGA Tour back at Black Desert for a second year, it’s clear this week is about more than just golf. It’s about the energy and excitement that’s taken over Washington County.