The 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney saw substantial economic growth over previous years.
The event brought an overall economic impact of $80.93 million to the city, including visitor purchases, the tournament’s prize pool, and tournament operations, according to a study conducted by EventCorp Services, reported Community Impact.
“It’s been amazing to see the growth and success the tournament has experienced since moving to TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney,” Jon Drago, tournament director, said in a statement, per Community Impact. “Over the first three years, we have made continuous improvements to the overall fan and player experience, and we only see that continuing in the future.”
The impact is at least $25 million more than that of the 2022 Byron Nelson. Of the $80.93 million, $35.36 was generated directly through more than 370 jobs and over 142,000 fans in attendance. Locals made up 85% of those in attendance, while 8% were from out of state, and 7% came from other areas of Texas.
On average, those who traveled spent more than $1,500 each, with accommodations, transportation, and dining being the most significant contributors. The club also added a unique feature to the 17th hole, drawing fans to a completely enclosed spot with stadium seating.
The Byron Nelson is a longstanding PGA tradition, played in the Dallas-Fort Worth area under several names since 1944. The tournament had a long run at the TPC Four Seasons at Las Colinas before moving briefly to Dallas’ Trinity Forest Golf Club and then to TPC Craig Ranch in 2021.
The tournament has a contract to continue playing at TPC Craig Ranch through 2025 and will offer $9.5 million in winnings for 2024 after changing sponsors and becoming the CJ Cup Byron Nelson through a 10-year deal with CJ Group.
The 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson will be played from April 29 through May 5 as McKinney looks to continue to drive tournament growth in its fourth year as host. K.H. Lee has won twice in the previous three tournaments, and Jason Day is the most recent champion.
