16th Puerto Rico Open tees off, expected to inject $12M into economy
The 16th playing of the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open starts today at the Grand Reserve Golf Club next to the Hyatt Regency in Río Grande. The tournament will feature some of the world’s top players, including four Puerto Ricans led by PGA TOUR member Rafael Campos.
The Puerto Rico Open runs through March 10 and features 132 players, 132 caddies and 50 PGA circuit members competing for the record $4 million purse and 300 FedEx Cup points.
“At the PRTC, we are thrilled to serve again as the official host of the PR Open on the island, as this sporting event has proven to be an effective contribution to the sports tourism sector and the economic development of the island,” said PRTC Executive Director Carlos Mercado-Santiago.
“The PR Open 2024 is projected to generate around 2,500 room nights in hotel occupancy, boosting the tourism activities of lodgings, restaurants and tourist attractions,” Mercado-Santiago continued. “The combination of the different elements that drive the tourism sector and the estimated creation of more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to provide a solid boost to the economy, estimated at around $12 million, along with an invaluable worldwide projection of Puerto Rico as a top-notch destination for successful major sports events.”
The PRTC and the PGA TOUR announced their agreement to continue the tournament through 2026.
In addition to the rooms reserved by athletes, their teams, families, fans and the media, there are visitors who extend their stays to explore Puerto Rico’s unique tourist offerings. The tournament also highlights the island’s diverse attractions to a global audience.
The event will receive 25 hours of coverage on the Golf Channel, which is expected to reach more than 3.6 million households worldwide, supplemented by traditional and digital media that descend on the island to cover the event.
“The multiplier effect generated by the projection of the PR Open through the media in general is estimated at an advertising value greater than $10 million,” the PRTC said.
Some of the PGA Tour’s biggest names and rising stars have won or finished runner-up in the Puerto Rico Open.
Puerto Rico’s representation includes Rafael Campos, the island’s only PGA TOUR member, Chris Nido and rising amateurs Evan Pena, 15, and Kelvin Hernández, 18. Pena will be the second-youngest to compete in a PGA TOUR event in the past decade.
Colombia’s Nico Echavarría claimed his first PGA Tour victory in his rookie year at the 2023 Puerto Rico Open and went on to be nominated for PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. He returns to defend his title.
He’ll be challenged by Campos, who “knows the course well and nearly set off a country-wide celebration through his performance in the 2021 Puerto Rico Open,” PGA TOUR recalled. “Leading after three rounds, he narrowly fell to the eventual champion late on the final day.”
Pedro Zorrilla, board president of the Puerto Rico Open, emphasized the tournament’s growth.
“The Puerto Rico Open continues to raise the bar every passing year. This edition marks a milestone as we welcome 132 players to compete for the largest purse in the tournament’s history. Through 25 hours of Golf Channel broadcasting, our goal is to showcase the beauty of Puerto Rico to over 3 million viewers worldwide. We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors, especially the Puerto Rico Tourism Co., whose contributions make this event possible. The economic impact of the tournament is unparalleled, and we eagerly anticipate a weekend of world-class golf.”
Mark Frances, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, spoke of the positive community impact: “For over a decade, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico has had the privilege of hosting the Puerto Rico Open and welcoming renowned elite professional competitors to our 27-hole Tom Kite-designed course. We are happy to have the opportunity to showcase our facilities and share with both the PGA and golf fans who follow the four-day tournament from their homes around the world. We look forward to witnessing the demonstration of competitive excellence that is the PR Open and following every play of the tournament from the golf course.
“We also want to recognize the impact that this event has on our community each year and express our gratitude for the economic development boost it generates locally with over 700 room nights during the event and the creation of over 400 direct and indirect jobs at our resort and throughout Puerto Rico.”
Brad Dean, chief executive of the island’s destination marketing organization, Discover Puerto Rico, highlighted the event’s promotional role.
“Puerto Rico is not only a top-tier destination for leisure and business travel but is ideal for sports enthusiasts like golf. The Puerto Rico Open allows us to showcase the quality of our courses and our players to the world, positioning Puerto Rico as a top-tier destination for sports enthusiasts. It also allows us to showcase all those reasons that make our destination increasingly chosen by travelers,” Dean said.
The tournament will also offer amenities for public enjoyment, including music, golf simulators and craft stations.
“The Puerto Rico Open is an effective ally in showcasing Puerto Rico as a tourist destination that possesses all the qualities and elements to host high-caliber professional sporting events,” Mercado-Santiago added. “At the Tourism Company, we reiterate our commitment to continue supporting internationally renowned events like the Puerto Rico Open 2024, which also contribute to fostering the best development of internal tourism on the island.”
