Local businesses welcome new PGA TOUR Champions golf tournament
Golf fans aren't going anywhere now that a new professional golf tournament is coming to the Coachella Valley, starting in the spring of 2023.
The Galleri Classic, a PGA TOUR Champions event, will be held March 20-26, 2023 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage.
MORE: New PGA TOUR Champions golf tournament coming to Coachella Valley, starting spring 2023
Mission Hills Country Club has also hosted the LPGA major championship for 51 years. Whether it was the Dinah Shore, Nabisco Kraft, ANA, or Chevron Championship, it's been a historic location.
The historical LPGA major championship may have left but now local businesses are looking forward to the tradition staying alive.
"I feel like it's gonna be amazing for all businesses," said Michael's Cafe supervisor Karen Jimenz. "Whenever we get big events like that, especially when summer is approaching, that's when we get our last big rush for the season. So we're pretty excited for that."
The Galleri Classic will be in March which is a month when the cafe usually has a surge in sales by about 40% with past tournaments.
"So hopefully this year, it's more since we are busier and we are getting to be known more," said Jimenz.
It's no secret the valley thrives on tourism. Visit Greater Palm Springs said visitors spend about $6 billion a year locally. The Galleri Classic will only attract more visitors.
"I think also that we will get visitors in from other destinations wanting to see these particular tour players," said Visit Greater Palm Springs CEO Scott White. "My experience from talking with other destinations is that these tour players are much more engaged with the audience in the valley as well."
White said the event will help the valley become even more desirable for visitors.
"I think it's gonna have a great impact on our destination. I've always been a firm believer that a Champions Tour would do great in this destination," said White.
The president and CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce, Katie Stice, said the organization is looking forward to being a partner with The Galleri Classic.
"The Galleri Classic will undoubtedly be an economic driver like the LPGA Championship," said Stice. "Golf and golf tournaments are part of the rich history and future of the valley, bringing people together from all over the globe to experience the Coachella Valley's renowned weather, sights, and beauty. It is great for local businesses from restaurants to hotels, attractions, and more."
