Memorial Tournament boosts Dublin economy by millions each year

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Memorial Tournament is happening next week in Dublin.

Golf fans and people of all ages come to town, boosting the economy in the city.

Dublin leaders prepared for the tournament all year, and it brings in around $35 million annually.

Jeremiah Gracia, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Dublin, said he is preparing for a busy week.

“When you bring that many people to a community of our size, there is a substantial economic impact from restaurants to hotels to many, many other activities that support the Memorial,” Gracia said.

The Memorial obviously has a big impact on Muirfield Village itself.

The merchandise tent is open for just one week a year, but Head Golf Professional Peter Dornisch said he hires nearly 50 additional staff members for the tournament.

“Yeah, sales are great,” Dornisch said. “It’s just a great way to drive revenue and sell a lot of things at retail. Our logo has become really famous in the golf industry. It's really sought after amongst golfers and it has a huge impact on the local economy.”

The Golf Shop at Muirfield has partnered with Abercrombie for the past few years to sell trendy shirts and hats at a pop-up store in Bridge Park.

And Bridge Park will be a busy spot during the tournament.

Ian Montgomery owns Fado Bridge Park and he said it’s all hands on deck.

“It’s not just the weekend, it’s all week the hotels are full. You know, this is a full week event. I know people might just go to the golf one of the days or just the weekend, but for us, it's a full week,” Montgomery said.

With visitors from nearly 200 countries in town for the tournament, Montgomery said Fado and other businesses at Bridge Park are making sure they are ready for thousands of customers.

“A lot of people who are coming to the golf might not necessarily have been around Dublin in a while or down in Bridge Park. So we've got a lot of new faces in the door,” Montgomery said.

Practice rounds start Monday at Muirfield Village and the Memorial Tournament officially begins on Thursday.

Next week Friday and Saturday, Fore!Fest is happening at Bridge Park and crowds will enjoy food trucks and bands whether they attend the tournament or not.

For more information one the week’s events, check out https://www.thememorialtournament.com/

For specific hours for the Memorial’s merchandise stores, head to https://www.thememorialtournament.com/patron-info/golf-shops/