ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) – The inaugural Biltmore Championship Asheville is bringing the PGA Tour back to Asheville for the first time in more than 80 years, with the tournament held this week at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
Pro-Am kicks off tournament week
Golfers and celebrities played in the Pro-Am at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove as part of tournament week.
Kyle McCurry, director of public relations for Explore Asheville, said the event is expected to bring upwards of $10 million in direct spending, along with national and international television coverage.
“So for Asheville, it really is that moment to say, we’ve been telling you, Asheville’s rebounding, propelling, moving forward,” McCurry said. “We want you here and here’s the evidence. And it’s going to look beautiful on television as it already does.”
Local golfer reflects on community’s recovery from Hurricane Helene
Jacob Bridgeman, from Inman and former ACC Golfer of the Year at Clemson, said the tournament carries personal significance for his community following Hurricane Helene.
“It’s been tragic up here,” Bridgeman said. “We have had some friends and family that experienced some hard times up here [Hurricane Helene]… They’ve recovered very well. The city in itself and I think they fixed everything for the most part business wise and I’m excited. Everyone gets to kind of witness the coolness of the town.”
Bridgeman is playing as a pro about 50 miles from where he earned All-American honors as an amateur at Clemson.
“I go back constantly,” Bridgeman said. “I go over there and practice, hang out with the team, see the coaches so. I like the feeling like I’m still involved even though I’m four or five years out of school and I think I’ll remain that way kind of my whole career. I really, really love Clemson and I had an amazing time there and I think I’ll always be a part of it. Any win is a dream come true, but winning here would be definitely special having a lot of people around that I care about.”
Coming off career year, Presidents Cup selection
Bridgeman is coming off a career year that included his first PGA Tour win and a selection to the Presidents Cup team. He said he’s using this week to prepare for that competition.
“The coolest thing ever,” Bridgeman said. “I’ve never had that much anticipation in my life in this sport. Hearing that I was on the team and picked by them was just amazing and a super proud moment.”
The Presidents Cup begins next Thursday between the U.S. team and the international team, which does not include players from Europe.
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