The Masters Gives Columbia Businesses a Boost

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Practice rounds are underway in Augusta and they’re also underway just up the road here in Columbia. “We are actually really busy this week and it’s just Tuesday,” says Leight Cheatham, Director of Communications for the Richland County Recreation Commission. Cheatham says they aren’t surprised by the crowds. “We generally see a 30-40% increase in the week of the Masters in our rounds of golf,” says Cheatham. Cheatham says Sunday was a big day at LinRick Golf Course just off of Monticello Road. “Sunday was fantastic, we had about 200 folks come out and play rounds of golf that day. I mean were just packed,” says Cheatham. Crandall Sims reporting, “While the weekends are the busiest times here on the golf course, officials say they’ve seen pretty good crowds during the week and if the weather continues to be nice, they expect those crowds to increase.” “We did well over 180 rounds yesterday,” says Cheatham. But she says they were ready for this weeks in advance. “Folks came from all over to go to Augusta for the Masters, but a lot of folks will come to Columbia and stay in Columbia,” says Cheatham In Downtown Columbia, the Sheraton has also had a boost in business. “Tuesday, Wednesday are our most high traffic days,” says Jennifer Bolling, Director of Sales at the Sheraton of Columbia. Bolling says right now they are sold out. “I would say at least 60% is Masters,” says Bolling. She also says this year is busier than past years. “It’s definitely been an increase over last year, we’ve seen a lot more of our major corporate business pick-up here,” says Bolling. But she isn’t surprised. She says guests started planning for this week well in advance. “About this time last year,” says Bolling. So whether it’s the hotels or the golf courses that bring the draw, the Masters is certainly good for business. If you are interested in playing at the LinRick Golf Course, there is a discount for those serving in the Military.