PGA TOUR returning to Asheville for first time in over 80 years

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — For the first time in more than eight decades, the PGA TOUR is returning to Asheville during the FedExCup Fall in 2026.

As part of a four-year agreement, Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville will serve as co-title sponsors of Asheville’s first PGA TOUR event in more than 80 years. The first Biltmore Championship is set for September 17-20, 2026.

“After more than eight decades since the Asheville Land of the Sky Open, the PGA TOUR is pleased to make its return to the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, a proud name synonymous with the region,” Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR Chief Competitions Officer, said. “We are honored to partner with Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville on this exciting new event and look forward to building a partnership that spotlights the strength and beauty of the area and its community.” 

There was a celebratory event announcing the new tournament at the Biltmore Estate on Monday morning, just over one year since Tropical Storm Helene ravaged Western North Carolina.

“We are honored to partner with the PGA TOUR, Explore Asheville and The Cliffs as a title sponsor of the Biltmore Championship in Asheville,” Mark Hemphill, Chief Marketing Officer of Biltmore, said. “Bringing a world-class golf tournament to the mountains of North Carolina creates an opportunity to make a positive, enduring impact on our community and economy. We look forward to an inspiring competition and inviting guests to discover the unique natural beauty and gracious hospitality of our area.”   

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a private facility designed by Hall of Famer Jack Nicklaus about 10 miles south of Asheville in Arden, North Carolina. The course borders the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, with holes on former farmland and the streams and woodlands of mountain laurel.

The last PGA TOUR event in Asheville was the Asheville Land of the Sky Open in the early 1920s. The Asheville Open was contested from 1939 to 1942, with Hall of Famer Ben Hogan winning the final three tournaments. The Biltmore Championship will be the seventh all-time TOUR event in the city.

“After more than 80 years, Explore Asheville is thrilled to team up with Biltmore to welcome the PGA TOUR back to Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina for the next four years,” Vic Isley, President & CEO for Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, said. “The PGA TOUR’s Biltmore Championship in Asheville will draw more than 100 players, thousands of spectators, millions of dollars in direct spending for area businesses, and hours of live national television coverage shining a light on the beauty of our region – all to support our creative travel and hospitality community. Importantly, we value the charity impacts that PGA TOUR events generate for host communities each year.”