The 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship tees off on Thursday at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor.
The event attracts thousands of people to Southwest Michigan when it’s held here, meaning a boost to the economy. Plus, all of the media coverage puts the region in the spotlight.
St. Joseph Today’s Daniele Crevier tells us it’ll be a busy weekend in downtown St. Joe.
“We always see an increase, of course, for Memorial Day weekend, but then any time the championship is happening, we see an increase as well,” Crevier said. “It’s just a really good weekend to be in Southwest Michigan. So, whether you’re stopping by St. Joe, Benton Harbor, Stevensville, Bridgman, there’s lots to do throughout the county. to do throughout the county. We’re just looking forward to the return of that.”
Crevier says the PGA event has helped grow the area’s stature. Have any famous golfers been spotted around town yet?
“I haven’t heard of anybody as of yet, but I know some golfers were in town checking the places out. I’ve heard that they visited not only the golfers, but their families, friends that are visiting with them have visited Southwest Michigan establishments. So, I’m really looking forward to see who’s here this year.”
Crevier says St. Joe Today teams up with several organizations for a Community Showcase Tent at Harbor Shores so people coming into town for the event can learn about what the area has to offer. It’s set up in the north parking lot, across from the North Shore Inn this year. She recommends stopping by and chatting with the volunteers who staff the tent.
This is the sixth and final time the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be hosted at Harbor Shores.