PGA TOUR Returns to Asheville, North Carolina in 2026 with the Biltmore Championship at Walnut Cove 

After more than 80 years, the PGA TOUR is returning to Asheville, North Carolina, with the inaugural FedExCup Biltmore Championship set for September 17-20, 2026, at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. This historic event will place Asheville and Walnut Cove’s Jack Nicklaus-designed, championship-caliber course on the national stage, offering golf enthusiasts and luxury lifestyle seekers an unforgettable experience. 

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Walnut Cove is the perfect setting for this premier tournament, where world-class golf, breathtaking landscapes, and the exclusive lifestyle of The Cliffs come together like nowhere else. 

What is the Biltmore Championship? 

The Biltmore Championship marks Asheville’s triumphant return to professional golf since the Asheville Land of the Sky Open, when World of Golf Hall of Famer Ben Hogan won three consecutive titles from 1940 to 1942. It’s part of a four-year agreement between the PGA TOUR, Biltmore Estate, and Explore Asheville, and will take place during the FedExCup Fall. In this key stretch, players compete to retain Tour cards, secure exemptions, and qualify for next year’s premier tournaments. 

“We look forward to building a partnership that spotlights the strength and beauty of the area and its community,” — Tyler Dennis, the PGA TOUR’s chief competitions officer. 

The late September timing is strategic. In the FedExCup Fall, players ranked 51st and beyond compete to improve their standings and secure playing privileges for the following season. Those finishing 51-70 have already locked up their Tour Cards but compete for spots in prestigious Signature Events, while players outside of the top 70 compete to finish inside the top 125 to retain full Tour Status. 

Where and How Will the Tournament Take Place? 

• Location: The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Arden, NC 
• Duration: September 17-20, 2026 
• Course: 7,167-yard, par-72, Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course 
• Setting: Valley location bordered by Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway
• Distance from Asheville Regional Airport: 10 minutes
• Distance from downtown Asheville: 15 minutes

Tournament Highlights: 

• Television coverage via Golf Channel, PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, and SiriusXM 
• Expected field of more than 100 players
• Anticipated economic impact and charitable contributions for the region 

Who Can Attend the Tournament? 

While The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a private club, the tournament will offer limited access for PGA TOUR spectators and visiting guests. Attendees can enjoy world-class golf in a setting designed by one of golf’s most iconic figures, Jack Nicklaus, with panoramic mountain and forest views at every hole. 

As a private club, Walnut Cove members will have special access privileges throughout tournament week. However, if you are a visitor, you must purchase a ticket online. 

Economic and Community Impact 

The FedExCup Biltmore Championship is more than just a sporting event; it’s an opportunity to highlight Asheville’s resilience and economic growth. 

Mark Hemphill, Biltmore Estate’s chief marketing officer, states, “Bringing a world-class golf tournament to the mountains of North Carolina creates an opportunity to make a positive, enduring impact on our community and economy.” 

The tournament is expected to generate: 

• Millions in local visitor spending 
• Charitable contributions and community engagement 
• National and international exposure to Asheville’s tourism, culture, and natural beauty 

Explore Asheville predicts thousands of spectators and a transformative economic effect, showcasing the region as one of North Carolina’s most desirable destinations.

How Does the Tournament Connect to Luxury Real Estate 

The FedExCup Biltmore Championship provides a glimpse into the exclusive lifestyle at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. Prospective buyers can explore: 

• Mountain and course-view homes blending natural beauty with elegant architecture 
• Premier Membership options granting access to championship golf, curated events, and social experiences 
• Lifestyle concierge services showcasing the members’ daily lives 
• Asheville’s only private gated golf community, awarded “World’s Best International Development” by CNBC International Properties Awards 
• World-class amenities including an 18,000 sq. ft. wellness center, the clubhouse, outdoor exploration, upscale dining, and social clubs

This tournament exemplifies the intersection of luxury living, world-class golf, and community prestige, a defining feature of The Cliffs’ brand. From first tee to terrace, Walnut Cove combines competitive golf with high-end living. 

Make Walnut Cove Your Home 

It’s easy to fall in love with Walnut Cove after experiencing the impeccable service, natural beauty, and genuine warmth you’ll discover during the PGA TOUR. The tournament offers a front-row seat to what life looks like here. 

If you’re ready to transition into a lifestyle where championship golf, mountain elegance, and curated experiences define your days, start exploring Walnut Cove homes today. From custom mountain estates to golf course-view residences, your dream home in Asheville’s premier private community is waiting.