Background and Current Status
Los Cabos, a popular golf destination in Mexico with 18 golf courses, currently hosts the World Wide Technology (WWT) Championship, one of two annual PGA Tour events in the country. The contract for this tournament is secured until 2027, but there are no confirmed plans beyond that date.
Key Figures and Their Roles
John Norris, the Vice President of Events for the PGA Tour, has been instrumental in bringing the WWT Championship to Los Cabos. He served as an ambassador for the tournament during its 2025 edition, held at El Cardonal golf course in Diamante, designed by Tiger Woods.
History and Growth of PGA Tour in Mexico
The WWT Championship began in 2007 as the first PGA Tour event outside of the United States and Canada, initially held in the Riviera Maya (Mayakoba). It moved to Los Cabos in 2023, joining the Mexico Open at Vidanta along the coasts of Nayarit and Jalisco as one of two annual PGA Tour events in Mexico.
Over the past few years, the PGA Tour has expanded its international presence, hosting events in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Japan, and Bermuda. Mexico has been a key market for the PGA Tour since the Mayakoba tournament started in 2007.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The WWT Championship has distributed $112.4 million in prize money since its inception, with $6 million awarded in 2025 alone. The tournament has significantly contributed to the local economy, with estimated economic impacts exceeding $74.7 million since 2023.
John Norris emphasized the importance of Mexico for the PGA Tour’s international growth, highlighting the region’s potential for professional golf development across various circuits. He acknowledged the growing fanbase in Mexico, though exact numbers remain unspecified.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Mexico for the PGA market? Mexico is crucial as it hosts a significant portion of PGA Tour events, catering to international players and fostering golf development. The presence of two events demonstrates the PGA Tour’s commitment to growth in the region.
- How many fans does the PGA Tour have in Mexico? While John Norris acknowledges a large and growing fanbase, he does not have specific numbers.
- What is the economic impact of the WWT Championship in Los Cabos? The tournament generates substantial economic benefits, with estimated impacts exceeding $74.7 million since 2023.
- Are there plans to introduce more PGA Tour events in Mexico? According to John Norris, the PGA Tour remains open to exploring new event locations in Mexico, recognizing its potential as a host market. However, no specific plans have been confirmed.
