The Norwood Hills Country Club golf tournament is back, contributing to an estimated local economic impact around $10 million for a typical PGA Tour Champions event.
New tonight, 5 of your side’s Andy Krall was there hearing how today’s event is a big win, not only for those at the top of the leader board but also the Saint Louis economy. With a new name but the same history, the Steeple Charity Classic is back at Norwood Hills Country Club. As with any typical PGA Tour champions event, the tournament is expected to contribute an estimated $10 million to the St. Louis economy. There’s a lot of regional travel that comes in to see the tournament, obviously a lot of local, but for us it’s the PGA Tour, right? It’s the players, it’s the caddies, it’s the tour staff, it’s the production for the television side. And that’s probably 200+ individuals that are here for 4 nights minimum. Also hitting with a philanthropic boost benefiting charities like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and the Urban League, which continue to provide aid for families impacted by the May 16th tornado. We had ticket sales for a period of time where 100% went back to the Red Cross for tornado relief. We know it’s a long road for recovery. But our charity partners definitely stepped up in a time of need. Speaking of stepping up, some of the 78 golfers did exactly that. In the last 3 years, the likes of Padrick Harrington and YE Yang have hoisted their trophy high on this 18th hole. This year, the elite roster collectively represents 200. 13 PGA Tour champions victories, including Steve Fleisch, who won this tournament back in 2023. It was so much fun and it was even more special because my son was cadding for me as he is this year. What is the word that pops into your mind, Steve, when you think about heading into championship Sunday? What is the mentality going to be heading into the last day? It’s got to be aggressiveness, not, you know, reserved aggressiveness. You got to pick your spots. A strategy that served Czech Republic native Alex Jaco well, Saturday’s co-leader, said St. Louis has some similarities to his home in Frankfurt, Germany. My golf course looks quite like this. I grew up on a tight golf course, a lot of trees, and You know, maybe that’s why I’m a good ball striker or normally a good ball striker because I, we had to just hit it. — Strike all
— the time and come October 2026, this will be the first of three PGA Tour champions playoff events. Annie Crawl, 5 on your side. It’s always a popular event. Annie, thanks. If you’re interested in attending championship Sunday, gates open at 9 a.m. with the new kids zone beginning at 10, a putt for charity contest will also be on the main putting green tomorrow afternoon.
