Masters Golf Tournament impact on the Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The Masters Golf Tournament is underway and while the tournament takes place in Augusta, it has a huge impact in the Midlands.

Augusta is located less than an hour away from Columbia.

What is arguably the nation’s ‘most prestigious golf tournament’ brings millions to Columbia’s restaurants, hotels, and other tourism related industries.

According to Experience Columbia, during last year’s Masters hotel occupancy was at nearly 90% in the Capitol City.

“Even though it’s played across the state line in Georgia, South Carolina’s economy is positively impacted by the Masters tournament. Columbia is one of the major airports that attendees are flying into, hence why you see ‘welcome golf visitors’ on the street flags around Columbia this week. Our accommodations, restaurants, and attractions from North Augusta up I-20 past Columbia see an increase in visitor traffic during Masters Week. Downtown today, there were plenty of visitors exploring State House grounds and Main Street in their Masters Green and Augusta National logo apparel. South Carolina is a destination known for golf, so as tournament attendees plan their trips, our proximity and more than 350 golf courses make us an ideal home base for their trip itinerary.

Additionally, undergrads from the University of South Carolina will work at the tournament through a partnership with USC Sports. That provides them with real-world experience on one of sports’ biggest stages, and they bring those skills back to South Carolina to boost their resumes and empower their future.”

–Duane Parrish, Director of South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism