By Debbie Bush - email
The world's top 64 golfers are in Marana for the Accenture Match Play. They are competing for an $8.5 million prize.
But Southern Arizona is playing for an even bigger payout - keeping the tournament in the Tucson area. This is the last year of a five-year commitment.
Think about it. Match Play ranks second among Tucson's big annual events for economic impact. It brings in an estimated $75 million - right behind the Gem show, which brings in $100 million.
Match Play is a BIG boost for tourism in Southern Arizona. People stream into the area to watch golf, stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants. And it's broadcast to more than 460 million people in 200 countries.
The golfers are independent contractors and pay Arizona taxes on their earnings.
The biggest payout of all? The Tucson Conquistadores raise millions of dollars for youth sports in our community.
So what is it going to take to keep the tournament? We have to support it. We have to buy the tickets and use them. It's pretty hard to walk away from a location that is full of fans and sells out!
If you would like to respond to this editorial, send an e-mail or send a letter to the station at: 7831 N. Business Park Drive, Tucson, AZ 85743.
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