The anticipated impact of the 2020 Democratic National Convention has been getting all the headlines lately, but there's another big event next year that could match, or better the economic impact of the DNC: the Ryder Cup in Sheboygan County.
We're still about a year and a half away from the best golfers in the world teeing it up at Whistling Straits, but the Ryder Cup team already has an estimate as to how much money the event could bring to the area. That's estimated at $135 million.
Ryder cup merchandise is already for sale in the club house. Tournament flags proudly fly over the sprawling links course and fans from all over the world are trying to get their hands on tickets.
"We launched random selection registration for tickets on Tuesday and we've already seen over 150,000 people register and those people are from all 50 states and over 100 countries," said Ryder Cup Marketing Director Lauren Ries.
Ries said those lucky enough to get inside the gates at Whistling Straits won't just be dropping a pretty penny on the course.
"Hotel room nights, lodging, food and beverage, all of that kind of adds up to that dollar amount," she said.
Ries said major money will be spread throughout the I-43 corridor from Green Bay down to Chicago and as far west as Madison.
"If you want nightlife, you have that great opportunity to stay in Milwaukee," she said. "If you want that football Hall of Fame experience you can stay up in Green Bay, and if you're looking to be close to the golf course you can stay here in Sheboygan County."
Sheboygan hotels like the Holiday Inn Express and the Blue Harbor Resort are already fully booked for the Ryder Cup.
Less than a quarter mile from the course, residents like William Schleicher are ready to cash in on the event that puts the best 12 golfers from the U.S. up against the top Europeans for bragging rights.
"Other than having to live in a hotel or at my parents house for a couple days I don't see any other cons," he said.
The going rate for regular homes may surprise you. Some near the course are listed for $2,500 a night on Airbnb.
"I've heard stories from $5,000 to $10,000 and some even more than that," said Schleicher.
