PGA Championship rounds place Southern Hills and Tulsa in the national spotlight

TULSA, Okla. — Championship rounds are underway Thursday at Southern Hills, which is hosting the 104th PGA Championship.

Landing the PGA Championship is a huge win for the City of Tulsa. Interim Senior Vice President of Tulsa Regional Tourism Ashleigh Bachert, said in terms of economic impact, they’re looking at $143 million this week.

The PGA Championship rounds at Southern Hills are now underway, marked by big crowds, big cameras and very engaged golf fans.

Randy and Judy Paige of Nardin, Oklahoma are staying in a local hotel and eating out while taking in the PGA Championship at Southern Hills.

As far as how much they plan to spend this week?

“Who’s counting?” Randy replied. “We’re retired.”

His wife Judy added, “We’re not going to leave it for our children.”

They’re not the only ones spending money this week during their stay in Tulsa while attending the championship.

“Easily a couple of thousand dollars probably apiece,” said Austin Powers when asked about how much money he and his golf buddies planned to spend this week.

He’s visiting Tulsa from Houston.

The grandstands at Southern Hills are now packed. And in order to get a good spot, you need to hustle.

These dedicated fans staked out their spots to try and catch a glimpse of some of the world’s greatest golfers, including Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy.

National and international media are on site to cover their favorite players, shining a spotlight on Southern Hills and Tulsa.

“It really is our Superbowl,” remarked Bachert. “We don’t have a major stadium. We don’t have opportunities to host things of that magnitude. So for us to be able to take advantage of the Southern Hills Country Club and have their members open up their front doors and say ‘Hey, let’s invite the world into our backyard,’ is absolutely incredible.”

Golf fans young and old crowded the course on the first day of championship rounds. Even they seem to appreciate what a big deal this is for the city.

“It’s great for the state, great for the town,” remarked Paige. “It’s good for golf, it’s a win win all the way around.”

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