TDC backs up to $1 million per year for three years to support PGA senior championship bid

The Tourist Development Council voted Feb. 24 to recommend funding up to $1,000,000 per year for three years to support a bid to host a PGA senior championship in the Bradenton area.

Elliot Falcone, Manatee County’s tourism director, described the bid opportunity as one that could generate significant room nights, televised exposure and economic impact. “We like the seasonality of it, late April, early May…NBC broadcast. That’s a half a million households,” Falcone said, adding an economic‑impact estimate the council was told is about $25 million.

Nut graf: Council members agreed the event aligns with local tourism goals — broadcast exposure, multi‑day competition and downtown/hospitality benefits — and voted to recommend the funding package to the Board of County Commissioners.

Details and partnerships: Falcone requested a three‑year recommendation—2026 through 2028—of $1,000,000 per year to be competitive in the bid process and to provide incentives and local marketing commitments. He said Visit Sarasota staff were in preliminary talks to provide additional equity above TDC funding.

Vote and next steps: Cheetan (Cheetan/Cheetan spelled as Cheetan in transcript) moved the motion and a second was recorded; the TDC approved the recommendation by voice vote. Falcone said a final award could be announced as early as May and that hosting would leverage SRQ capacity and local hospitality operators.

Ending: Councilors urged the bid team to highlight Bradenton area branding and visitor amenities in broadcast and sponsorship materials, and staff said they will coordinate with Visit Sarasota and course operators on the marketing plan.