WARRICK CO., IN (WFIE) -
Warrick County is hosting the United Leasing Tournament on the PGA Tour this week.
The tournament will be seen in 184 countries, and it's already been a boost to the local economy.
The tournament doesn't officially start until Thursday, but several businesses are already benefiting from these 156 golfers and other visitors.
Hotels and rental car businesses tell 14 News they had to stop taking reservations days ago, something they say is pretty unusual.
"On Monday, I went out and bought 20 new vehicles from a local Evansville dealership, just to prepare so everyone could have a vehicle, that wanted a vehicle," said Toni Ponder, the general manager at Avis Evansville.
Ponder says they mark their calendar for big local or national events like the tournament.
"Normally, we own between 160 and 180 cars, this week I had to go up to 195 to accommodate people that wanted vehicles," Ponder said.
Ponder says at least half of their business on Monday and Tuesday were from people attending the United Leasing Tournament.
"The amount of rentals we've done this week will exceed by about 20- 25 % than our normal usage, which is fantastic," Ponder said.
Hotels in the area are just about full and the general manager at Comfort Inn East, Virgil Rasche says if area hotels aren't at capacity now, they soon will be.
"Summertime is always a busy time for us at the Comfort Inn so we are used to a lot of groups on the weekends, but an event of this magnitude is special," Rasche said.
Rasche says this weekend they had twice as many guests as normal with most staying six days.
"It also provides an opportunity for us to fully staff during the week as well as on the weekend. It brings an impact to our employees as well," Rasche said.
"This week will actually be the biggest week we've had this year," Ponder said
With a three year agreement from the PGA Tour, the local economy is set for more growth in the future.
Restaurants tell 14 News they have seen a few more customers but really expect to see a boost within the next 48 hours.
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