The PGA Tour Is Making Its Return to the Mountains

With the Biltmore Championship in Asheville, the PGA Tour is bringing the best golfers in the world to Western North Carolina

From the category of “this is such a good idea, I can’t believe it’s just now happening,” the PGA Tour, Biltmore and the Explore Asheville tourism group announced that in the fall of 2026, the tour is returning to Asheville for the first time since 1942.

With a four year agreement, the inaugural Biltmore Championship in Asheville will take place from Sept. 17-20 in 2026, at the Cliffs at Walnut Cove. It’s a beautiful private course designed by Jack Nicklaus right on the edge of the Pisgah National Forest.

“After more than eight decades since the Asheville ‘Land of the Sky Open’ the PGA TOUR is pleased to make its return to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Biltmore Championship in Asheville, is a proud name synonymous with the region,” said Tyler Dennis, PGA TOUR Chief Competitions Officer. “We are honored to partner with Biltmore Estate and Explore Asheville on this exciting new event. We look forward to building a partnership that spotlights the strength and beauty of the area and its community.”

Why is this such a good idea?

First of all, it’s mid-September on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest. The course at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove are as immaculately maintained as the Biltmore grounds. In fact, you could probably just sell admission to the course in the fall. People could just soak in the beauty of the surroundings. Even though the golfers will be some of the best in the world. But in some ways, they are kind of a bonus to the whole thing.

Also, if there have ever been sympatico vibes, it would be a place like Biltmore and that PGA Tour. It’s just good co-branding. Finally, there’s a history there that was seemingly kind of forgotten that’s being reinvigorated.

What is the history of PGA Golf in Asheville?

The Asheville Open – also known by the immensely more epic name of the Land of the Sky Open – began in the 1920s. It was part of the PGA tour from 1939 to 1942. That period was when the tour was really just finding its footing in the national sporting landscape. Contested for four years, the title was taken by the legendary golfer Ben Hogan in 1940, 1941 and 1942. If there were a Mt. Rushmore of Golf, Hogan would be one of the players in serious consideration for a spot.

In 1939, Hogan came into the tournament struggling. According to WNC Magazine, he considered giving up his spot on the tour to become a golf pro. But he found his swing in North Carolina and some confidence, taking the Land of the Sky title. In fact, he returned the next two years to defend his crown. Of Hogan’s 64 career wins, three came in Asheville.

While the PGA didn’t continue in Asheville after 1942, the Land of the Sky Open continued into the ’50s. It wasn’t just Land of Sky open that brought a PGA related event to the Mountains. From 1957 to 1960, the women’s tour played the Asheville Open in town.

Will any big name golfers be there?

Probably not many. The Biltmore Championship will be part of the FedEx Cup fall schedule. It’s mostly for players not in the top 50 after the playoffs. Its purpose – in terms of the tour – is for players to solidify their eligibility for the following season. So, unless a big name golfer need to finalize his eligibility for next year, this tournament will be filled with players fighting to maintain their spot on the tour. And that might not be an entirely bad thing. The players at The Biltmore Championship will be hungry for a good finish.

Also, as we said above, the middle of September is a fine month to be in Western North Carolina. There are certainly worse places to take in the scenic beauty than from a world-class golf course. 

Why is this tournament important to Asheville?

Professional golf is in an odd place. The PGA Tour is receiving serious competition for golfers for the first time in decades. The Saudi-backed LIV Tour paid big money for big names to come play in its tournaments. However, they haven’t fared especially well. Golf is a traditionalists game. Winning a LIV event might lead to more money, but it doesn’t lead to more attention or connect you to the history of the game.

Also, whoever wins next year in Asheville will be able to say he’s the first man to win a PGA tournament in Asheville since Ben Hogan. That would be pretty cool.

But for Asheville itself, it means tourist dollars. It means attention. The Biltmore Championship in Asheville will be broadcast on Golf Channel and three properties produced from PGA TOUR Studios: PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, Sirius XM and the World Feed. And it means that the Western North Carolina city, which is often forgotten behind Charlotte and Raleigh and others, can host a major event.

Also, the announcement came just after the one year anniversary of the destruction that came from Hurricane Helene. The tournament serves as a reminder to the outside world – and some in the region – that Asheville is open once again for business.

“We are honored to partner with the PGA TOUR, Explore Asheville and The Cliffs as a title sponsor of the Biltmore Championship in Asheville,” said Mark Hemphill, Chief Marketing Officer of Biltmore. “Bringing a world-class golf tournament to the mountains of North Carolina creates an opportunity to make a positive, enduring impact on our community and economy. We look forward to an inspiring competition and inviting guests to discover the unique natural beauty and gracious hospitality of our area.” 

Can I get tickets?

Not yet. The tournament website can be accessed here, and it contains a link where you can sign up for a newsletter that will let you know when tickets are available.

Are you looking forward to the Biltmore tournament? If so, let us know in the comments and on the socials!