The Northern Delaware region has enjoyed a steady progression of pro golf growth to get to this point. Md. The region's response from the outset, both fans wise and corporate wise, has been tremendous. That's no doubt one of the reasons the tournament became one of the tour's four majors. That response was noticed outside LPGA circles as well. One of the big reasons the Bell Atlantic Classic moved from Chester Valley to Hartefeld was to incorporate the Wilmington market.
Early returns have that move being a successful one as well.
Ticket sales have been strong and corporate sponsorship and volunteer support has been outstanding. In a market like Delaware, a professional golf tournament is a big event and gets treated like one from businesses, fans and media. It's a great combination that all three tours have taken advantage in different regions of the country as well. The PGA Championship, for example, has never had bigger crowds than when it was played at Valhalla, outside Louisville. Being in Delaware also keeps the tournament accessible to the fans, media and businesses from Philadelphia and Baltimore.