PGA TOUR takes over Asheville neighborhood as residents watch from their backyards

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — More than 4,500 fans filled The Cliffs at Walnut Cove for the opening day of the Biltmore Championship Asheville, the city’s first PGA TOUR event in more than 80 years.

For homeowners along the Jack Nicklaus-designed course, the tournament means a front-row view from their backyards, along with added security, tickets and new rules during tournament week.

The Biltmore Championship Asheville has turned the private community into a tournament venue, with PGA TOUR players, spectators, fencing and security personnel throughout the property.

For resident Ed Jarosz, the action is visible without leaving home.

“It’s absolutely remarkable. Unbelievable,” Jarosz said. “You get to see the beauty of this course. You get to see the beauty of western North Carolina.”

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Jarosz said he and his neighbors plan to set up chairs along the fairway to watch play together.

“We’ll have chairs set out, and we will watch this thing together,” he said.

The tournament puts the community on a larger stage, said Jason Zeller, manager of The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.

“It’s really special for us,” Zeller said. “To have our own community and backyard be exposed on the national stage, it’s something that we get to share – what we get to enjoy every day – with the world.”

Living along the course does not give residents unrestricted access. Zeller said PGA TOUR ticketing policies apply to members, although immediate Walnut Cove members were offered tickets for each day of play. The community also has a members-only entrance in addition to the main tournament entrance.

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Security measures include fencing and perimeter barriers separating private property from areas open to spectators.

“Security is first and foremost for both the PGA, for player safety, and for us, for our members and their residents in the community,” Zeller said.

Residents living closest to the course have also been asked to be mindful of loud noises that could disrupt play. Zeller said daily life continues, including deliveries and vendors.

“We ask that members be conscious of anything making loud noises and possibly disrupting play,” he said. “But life goes on. We’re a community.”

Preparing the course for a PGA TOUR event required weeks of work. Zeller said crews moved to cart-path-only operations before the tournament to preserve the course and kept tournament construction outside playing areas to limit disruption for members.

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Jarosz said the preparation has enhanced, rather than dramatically changed, the view residents see each day.

“It’s just manicured a little bit more,” he said.

Organizers initially anticipated about 3,000 people for opening day, but about 4,500 attended, Zeller said. He said Saturday attendance could reach 6,000 to 7,000.

“I don’t think anyone knew coming into this how well received it would be,” Zeller said. “We far exceeded our expectations.”

Residents hope the tournament’s success brings more major events, visitors and economic activity to Asheville and western North Carolina.