PGA Tour event to be held in area in February

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The PGA Tour, in a major win for the area sports economy, will host the World Golf Championships at the Concession Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch from Feb. 25 to 28.

The event was originally slated to take place in Mexico City, according to a press release. The move from Mexico to Lakewood Ranch comes amid logistical challenges related to the pandemic. 

“We are thrilled for the opportunity,” says Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, in an announcement on the PGA Tour website. “With such a wonderful setting and renowned course, we’re hopeful that the PGA TOUR’s best players will enjoy battling for the title here in the Bradenton-Sarasota area.”

The World Golf Championships event dates back to 1999. It has historically drawn some of the world’s best golfers, the statement says.

Patrick Reed won last year, beating out a field that included Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and several other top-ranked players in the world.

The event comes on the heels of the Korn Ferry Tour, which kicks off its season the week prior across the street at Lakewood National Golf Club.