ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ) – Practice rounds are underway at Thornberry Creek ahead of this weekend’s LPGA Classic.
The Oneida course’s general manager, Josh Doxtator, says research supported bringing a professional golf event to the area for the first time.
“The Green Bay-Appleton market ranks as the number one market in the country for people who love the game of golf, but also number two in the country as a market per capita that considers themselves specifically fans of the LPGA Tour.”
Doxtator also cites the success of a recent, nearby event.
“When the U.S. Open was held at Kohler in 2012, they broke attendance records and it was scorching hot that week. If weather permits, I think we’ll see 70,000 plus spectators on site.”
Doxtator expects the event will do more for the area than just its projected $15,000,000-$20,000,000 economic impact.
“It’s going to put a spotlight on the entire region, coverage on The Golf Channel. Having 11 hours of live coverage, we’ll be able to showcase all of the cool things and aspects there is to Green Bay.”
Doxtator notes the projected economic impact stacks up well to another popular sporting event.
“When we host a Packers game, you see about a $15,000,000-$20,000,000 economic impact. For an event in early July to be able to produce the same type of results is incredible.”
The first round gets underway Thursday morning.
Click here for a full schedule of this week’s events.
Officials note 144 of the world’s top female golfers will compete for a $2,000,000 purse.
