Bellerive To Get The Major Treatment

In a little more than two years, professional golf will return to West St. Louis County.

Friday, local and state political leaders along officials celebrated the news that the PGA Tour has awarded the Town and Country club host duties for the 2013 Senior PGA Tour Championship, to be played May 21-26 2013, and the PGA Tour Championship in August, 2018.

"The reason we selected Bellerive was its great grand tradition, but also its approach to serving the needs of its community, and working in tandem with STL and with the state on the priorities that our nation, states and cities face today." PGA Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka said at an afternoon press conference.

"We're not surprised, but we are certainly honored by the announcement," Town and Country Mayor Jon Dalton tells Patch.

The events will bring some of the greatest names in sports to St. Louis County, but the themes coming out of Friday's ceremonies focused on the economic impact the tournaments will have on the area. Governor Nixon told the crowd that conservative estimates place the impact at $100 million for the region, although a formal analysis has not been completed and won't be released until later this year. When asked by Patch about the state's investment in luring the PGA, Nixon didn't identify specifics, but pointed out the $250,000 to $500,000 used to promote Kansas City to host the 2012 Major League All-Star Game. The expectation is a 25-1 return on that expenditure.

"The bottom line will be spectacular across the region. What it means to Town and County doesn't compare to what it means to St. Louis County as a whole. It will bring an economic and cultural spotlight to the entire region. It will draw the attention of the world that would not otherwise happen," Dalton said.

Friday's announcement also marked the public launch of a philanthropic effort in conjunction with the PGA to promote health and wellness, education and economic development. The effort is being led by Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, who is also President of the Gateway PGA Foundation.

The announcement caps almost a year of planning by club leaders and community members. The club made a presentation to the PGA in December, and assembled 30 local civic leaders for another pitch to tour officials in St. Louis on the opening day of the baseball season. A club vote on the bid came last week.

"This dual win today sends volumes of notice that this region is prepared to compete anwhere in the world to host the finest sporting events in the world," Missouri Governor Nixon said.

*Patch Editor Gabrielle Biondo contibuted to this report.