The golf world is turning its eyes to Western North Carolina for the first time in over eight decades — and we couldn’t be more excited. In September 2026, the Biltmore Championship will debut at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove near Asheville, marking the return of the PGA Tour to this region after an 80‑plus‑year hiatus.
This isn’t just another golf tournament — it’s a sign of recovery, revitalization, and renewed prestige for Asheville, Buncombe County, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
📆 What’s the Event?
- Tournament Name: Biltmore Championship in Asheville
- Dates: September 17‑20, 2026.
- Venue: The Cliffs at Walnut Cove (Jack Nicklaus‑designed), located in Arden (just minutes from Asheville Regional Airport).
- Sponsors: A four‑year title‑sponsorship agreement with Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville.
- Coverage & Format: Part of the FedExCup Fall calendar, recognized as an official PGA Tour event. Global broadcast reach through Golf Channel, PGA TOUR LIVE/ESPN+, Sirius XM and world feed.
🏌️ Why This Matters for Asheville & WNC
- First PGA Tour event in the region in over 80 years — the last was the historic Asheville Land of the Sky Open (1939‑1942), won by the legendary Ben Hogan three years in a row.
- Economic & tourism boost — thousands of players, caddies, spectators and media crews will descend on the region, bringing millions in direct spending to hospitality, lodging, restaurants and recreation.
- Recovery moment — coming just over a year after the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the region, the announcement symbolizes resilience and the area’s readiness to host world‑class events.
- Global spotlight — with major television and streaming coverage, Asheville will be shown to a worldwide audience as a destination for sport, nature, luxury and community.
- Legacy building — beyond the four‑year sponsorship, this event builds a lasting brand for the Asheville/Blue Ridge region, positioning it for further high‑end events and growth.
🌄 The Course & Setting
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is tucked just southwest of Asheville, in a valley of former farmland, woodlands and mountain laurel. The course stretches 7,167 yards and was designed by Jack Nicklaus, offering a challenging and scenic backdrop with the Blue Ridge Mountains in view.
Players will feel the mix of classic course design and contemporary challenge — woodland corridors, elevation changes, and the kind of vistas rarely seen in tour‑level golf.
🎯 What This Means for Locals, Visitors & Businesses
- Accommodation & travel: Local hotels, inns and resorts will see elevated interest and occupancy; expect increased tourism during tournament week and strong media release exposure.
- Dining & hospitality: Restaurants in Asheville, Arden, Hendersonville and beyond will benefit from influx of guests — and local culinary businesses have a chance to shine.
- Local recreation & legacy: With PGA Tour standards coming to WNC, the golfing community and related service industries (caddies, course maintenance, hospitality) will gain knowledge and opportunity.
- Community involvement: Volunteer opportunities, charity partnerships & local outreach will likely accompany event production — giving non‑golfers a front‑row seat to the action.
- Brand elevation: Asheville’s reputation as a leisure and sport destination will be enhanced — not just mountain retreats and craft beer, but world‑class events.
🧳 Your Checklist Before Tournament Week
- Mark your calendar: Sept 17‑20, 2026
- Watch for lodging deals early — surrounding areas may book fast.
- Consider shuttle or transport options from Asheville to Arden.
- For non‑golfers: look for fan zones, hospitality experiences, or business networking tied to the event.
- Explore extended stays: turn tournament week into a Blue Ridge getaway — hiking, dining, and community events.
🎉 Final Thoughts
The Biltmore Championship isn’t simply a golf tournament being added to the schedule. For Asheville and Western North Carolina, it’s a moment of resurgence — rebuilding after natural disaster, reaffirming the region’s capacity for high‑caliber experience, and showing the world the Blue Ridge Mountains aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving.
So whether you’re a lifelong golf fan, a local business owner, a hospitality professional or simply someone who loves Asheville — mark this event. Show up. Participate. And let’s welcome the PGA Tour back home.
