Today is April 16, 2026, and the excitement in Florida is palpable as the Senior PGA Championship kicks off at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton. This prestigious tournament, which has not been held in Florida for over 25 years, promises to be a thrilling event for golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Florida last hosted this championship in 2000 at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, where Doug Tewell emerged as the victor.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a strong advocate for this event, emphasizing its significance as the return of a major golf tournament to the state. The 86th edition of the Senior PGA Championship will run from April 16 to 19, featuring a whopping prize purse of three million dollars—$540,000 of which will go to the winner. With a field of 156 competitors, including 21 major champions and 11 former Senior PGA champions, the stakes are high.
Notable Participants and Tournament Details
This year’s championship boasts an impressive lineup of players, with notable names such as defending champion Ángel Cabrera, Zach Johnson, Henrik Stenson, Stewart Cink, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Vijay Singh, and Bernhard Langer. The presence of these iconic figures from the 1990s and 2000s only adds to the excitement surrounding the event. Each day, spectators can enjoy the action with gates opening at 7:00 AM on Thursday and Friday, and at 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
The Concession Golf Club, known for its strategic bunkering and challenging water hazards, was designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin. Inaugurated in 2006, the club has quickly gained recognition, being named the Best New Private Course by Golf Digest that same year. The name “The Concession” itself is a tribute to Jack Nicklaus’s historic gesture of sportsmanship during the 1969 Ryder Cup, marking a pivotal moment in golf history.
Economic Impact and Future Events
The projected economic impact of the Senior PGA Championship on the Sarasota-Bradenton region is estimated to reach up to 70 million dollars, a significant boost for the local economy. To help attract this event, Manatee and Sarasota counties will contribute a total of nine million dollars over three years. Excitingly, The Concession Golf Club has also secured a three-year agreement with the PGA of America to host the Senior PGA Championship in 2027 and 2028.
For those looking to catch the action, tournament broadcasts will be available on the Golf Channel, reaching 500 million households across 130 countries. Tickets for the Senior PGA Championship can be purchased online, with daily Grounds Tickets priced at $61 and Club PGA Tickets available for $636.
As the tournament unfolds, golf fans can expect an unforgettable showcase of talent and sportsmanship. With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1937 at Augusta National Golf Club, the Senior PGA Championship continues to hold a special place in the hearts of golf enthusiasts everywhere. For more details, feel free to check out the source here and explore additional insights from this source. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates throughout the championship!