NEW DATA: 2025 U.S. Open Golf Championship Generated $288.8 Million for Pennsylvania’s Economy in June

More than 200,000 players and spectators from around the world came together at Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh for the USGA’s 125th championship golf event June 12-15.

Tourism is a key economic driver in Pennsylvania, and the Shapiro Administration is investing in major sporting events across the Commonwealth to help boost the economy, attract more visitors, and support this vital industry.

Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration’s strategic investments to attract major sporting events to Pennsylvania are paying off, as the United States Golf Association (USGA) indicates the 2025 U.S. Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club in Allegheny County brought in $288.8 million to Pennsylvania’s economy this past June. Committed to driving tourism and economic growth across the Commonwealth, Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration invested more than $2.2 million to support the 2025 U.S. Open, which created or supported 1,476 jobs.

The 2025 U.S. Open golf championship marked the 10th time that Oakmont Country Club has hosted the event, holding the record for hosting the most U.S. Opens in the tournament’s 130-year history. To help support the successful event, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided the USGA with two grants in 2023 and 2024 through the Sports Marketing and Tourism program.

“On top of being a big economic driver here in Pennsylvania ― golf events like the 2025 U.S. Open also create jobs, boost our small businesses, and bring people from around the world to the Commonwealth,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “The USGA knows how to put on an extraordinary tournament and their continued partnership with Oakmont Country Club is a big win for the Pittsburgh region and all of Pennsylvania.”

“Hospitality and tourism are extremely important to Pennsylvania, and golf has played a crucial role in attracting sports fans to the Commonwealth for more than a century,” said DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan. “We’re proud to support events like the U.S. Open, which invited thousands from around the world to experience all Pennsylvania has to offer. We hope the fans who experienced the U.S. Open this year come back for the fun and exciting sporting events that are on deck for 2026.”

“The continued return of the U.S. Open to Oakmont Country Club underscores Pittsburgh’s position as one of the nation’s leading destinations for major sporting events,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “Our region’s proven ability to successfully host global competitions brings far-reaching economic benefits and reinforces Pennsylvania’s reputation as a world-class stage for sports, tourism and hospitality.”

The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program was created to attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to Pennsylvania. The program capitalizes on the influx of tourism that comes with hosting a major national or international event, which can increase sales for both large and small businesses in the surrounding area and in turn boost the regional economy.

Pennsylvania Tourism Is Accelerating

Tourism is a key priority in Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy — and new data shows the industry is surging. In 2024, the tourism industry in the Commonwealth generated $83.9 billion in economic impact, supported 514,261 jobs, contributed $5 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 201.6 million visitors.

Governor Shapiro is committed to boosting the tourism industry to create good jobs, strengthen businesses, and attract people to call Pennsylvania home — and his Administration has committed significant resources and support to growing the industry.

Looking Ahead to America’s 250th in 2026

On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation. Just as Pennsylvania played a critical role in 1776, the Commonwealth is primed to once again be in the spotlight in 2026 with major events throughout the Commonwealth ― including the NCAA’s March Madness men’s basketball tournament, the FIFA World Cup, and MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, the PGA Championship in Delaware County, and the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

With the focus on Pennsylvania in 2026 and to take advantage of this unique opportunity, Governor Shapiro is calling for $65 million in his 2025-26 proposed budget to prepare for America’s 250th birthday, including:

• $2.5 million continuation for America250PA
• $15 million in new funding for Regional Event Security
• $10 million increase to promote the 250th celebration
• $36.5 million to plan and execute these internationally recognized events in the Tourism Promotion Fund

Need inspiration for your next Great American Getaway to Pennsylvania? Head to visitpa.com to find travel inspiration and stay in-the-know with @visitpa on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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