ASHEVILLE - At the peak of the Biltmore Championship Asheville, tee times were adjusted for storms expected in the afternoon. The impending weather didn't stop crowds from rallying around the golfers across 18 holes at the Biltmore Championship Asheville.
On Sept. 19, Catherine and Derek Bledsoe and their six-year-old daughter Phipps traveled from Maryville, Tennessee, nearly 2.5 hours from Asheville, to attend the third round of the inaugural PGA Tour event. It was a success, with plenty of things to do, see, taste and make part of their family's cherished memories.
"The players have been really good with the kids. One of them signed a golf ball and gave it to her. You don't see that at some of your other tournaments," Catherine Bledsoe said.
As the PGA Tour's first run, the mood remained light and festive, despite high temperatures that led fans to seek respite in the shade of trees and in hospitality tents. It didn't detract from the picturesque scene backing the professional men's golf competition.
"I love the backdrop of the mountains, especially when you're seeing the fall colors start to change a little bit," Derek Bledsoe said.
The couple said they couldn't pass up attending a PGA Tour event within an easy drive, having attended many other professional golf tournaments, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, and the Truist Championship at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.
The Biltmore Championship Asheville was scheduled for Sept. 17-20 at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, a private residential golfing community in Arden, off Brevard Road.
Opened in 2005, the golf course, designed by retired professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, offers scenic views with inclines, winding paths and forested land across the sprawling venue, estimated at more than 23,000 square feet.
"It's a compact course, so everything's right here," Catherine Bledsoe said.
It's the first time in 84 years the city has hosted a PGA Tour event. As the weekend wound down for the fourth and final round, more than one pro golfer appeared to be walking away a victor, as the Biltmore Championship Asheville scored well with attendees.
"It's been a good experience. Everybody's been welcoming. It seems like they want everyone here to have a good time, so that's good to see," Catherine Bledsoe said.
Biltmore Championship Asheville attracts tourists for Golf Week
Biltmore Championship Asheville Week runs Sept. 12-22, anchoring two other tournaments: J.T. Poston Invitational, scheduled for Sept. 12-15 in Waynesville, and the 66th Annual Skyview Golf Tournament, to be held Sept. 21-22 at the Country Club of Asheville. It's the nation's oldest Black golf tournament.
On Sept. 19, Ben and Cindy Stocum, of Greenville, South Carolina, made the one-day trip to Asheville for the PGA Tour's Biltmore Championship Asheville, noting the event's convenience and affordability. Ben Stocum also appreciated the discount for military veterans.
"It's a beautiful course. The landscape is amazing. Being in the hills is great," Ben Stocum said.
Biltmore and Explore Asheville have a $2.4 million four-year agreement through 2029 to host the event in the city.
PGA Tour Event Director Nate Goldsnider told the Citizen Times that The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, which is home to million-dollar properties surrounding the private golf course, was the ideal venue for the tournament because it offers the space and amenities needed to host a tournament of its size and caliber.
"I love that we're in the mountains. It's a gorgeous view. I've been envying the landscaping of some of the houses," Cindy Stocum said.
The Bledsoes appreciated the layout, logistics and hospitality at the event, noting the accessibility, short refreshment lines, efficient shuttle service, and food and beverage selection and quality.
It was the Bledsoes' first time bringing their young daughter to a PGA Tour event, and the family loved the children's amenities, noting that the Mast General Store kid's zone, which featured putting greens, was a hit with their daughter.
Ben and Cindy Stocum said they enjoyed the Bulldog Tracks ice cream from The Hop, a local vendor serving golf fans at the PGA Tour event.
"It's good that if a major sporting event comes to a community that it supports the community and brings some extra income to the local infrastructure," Ben Stocum said.
PGA Tour aims to generate economy boost for Asheville, WNC
The Bledsoes said they plan to attend future Biltmore Championship Asheville events, though as a multi-day trip, allowing them to spend time in the city.
The Stocums said they would consider attending future Biltmore Championship Asheville tournaments. The Stocums said they'd visited Asheville many times, enjoying the local restaurants and community. They planned to wrap up their day at the PGA Tour by the afternoon to spend time exploring downtown and dining before returning home.
"It's been beautiful and the people are friendly," Cindy Stocum said.
On Sept. 18, Governor Josh Stein told the Citizen Times that the PGA Tour would accelerate WNC's recovery since Hurricane Helene, which arrived as a tropical storm in the fall of 2024.
It is expected to generate $15-30 million in economic impact, according to Explore Asevhille.
"We want the world to know what we know about Western North Carolina. It's so beautiful; the people are nice, they're friendly, they're kind. The food is great, the beer is good, the crafts are beautiful. There's just so much to enjoy in Western North Carolina; we want more people to come here and spend their money," Stein said.
For golf fans and Western North Carolina supporters, the Biltmore Championship Asheville showcases some of the best the city and region have to offer, with the potential to do more.
It may also strengthen the golfing community.
"It has been interesting. I like watching the golfers and trying to improve my golf game," said Cindy Stocum, an amateur player along with her husband.
The winner of the Biltmore Championship Asheville will be announced at the end of the fourth round on Sept. 20.
For updates on positions, tee times and other PGA Tour news, follow the Asheville Citizen Times and Golfweek.com.
Tiana Kennell is thefood and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of USA TODAY Co., covering the food and beverage industry and PGA Tour's Biltmore Championship Asheville. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram.Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Biltmore Championship Asheville aces first year with fans of all ages
