Crooked Stick Tees Up Millions in Upgrades
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowCrooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel is pumping more than $3 million into upgrades before the PGA’s arrival for the 2016 BMW Championship in September. On the course, the efforts include the overhaul or addition of nearly 100 bunkers as well as a new pond. The club is also dozens of luxury boxes and improved parking. The event is expected to draw more than 150,000 fans and generate a $30 million economic impact.
The BMW Championship was last in Carmel in 2012. That event drew about 120,000 fans. Championship Manager Sally White says ticket sales have been strong so far. BMW Championship co-chairs Kent Frandsen and John Crisp discussed the event last month on Inside INdiana Business Television.
White says work on the course includes overhauling 90 sand traps and adding seven bunkers along the seventh and 10th holes. Crews have also added a lake along the left side of the 17th hole and re-done tee boxes on the third, 10th and 13th holes. The club is adding 30 luxury boxes on the 17th green. Course leaders say demand has been so strong, there will be additional boxes near the 14th green.
Last month, tournament organizers said the event had exceeded its volunteer goal. Officials say they have filled more than 2,200 positions with volunteers from 29 states and four countries.
The 2016 BMW Championship runs September 6-11 at Crooked Stick. The event will feature 70 PGA Tour players competing for an $8.5 million purse, including more than $1.5 million for the winner. Former champions include Jason Day, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Zach Johnson and Dustin Johnson.
BMW Championship Manager Sally White says a successful event in September can help draw the PGA back to Carmel.