Q1 2020 Texas CEO Magazine

THE SPORT OF
RELOCATION
Ed Curtis
Anyone doing business in Texas knows that the competitive landscape is changing. Out-of-state-based
businesses, from a wide array of industries, are looking to set up shop in Texas. According to the YTexas
Relo Tracker, 2018 and 2019 brought over 50 corporate headquarter relocations into the Lone Star State. If
you were to include corporate expansions, the number is well into the hundreds. Leading industries include
technology, advanced manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, and professional service firms.
In recent years, another industry has emerged in the world of corporate relocation and expansion. It’s the
sports industry. Here are six sports-related relocation and expansion projects that will shape the future
of the Lone Star State.
PGA of America — You would think Palm Beach
Gardens, Florida, would be the home of all things golf. Not so
anymore. While still maintaining a presence in South Florida,
the PGA of America is relocating its corporate headquarters
to Frisco, Texas, after more than a half century of operation.
That’s only the tip of the iceberg. The HQ will be part of a 600-
acre mixed-used development that is projected to include two
championship golf courses, a short course, Class AA office space,
and a 500-room Omni resort, to include a 127,000-squarefoot
conference center and a whole lot more. Rumor has it
there is a possibility that the PGA will bring a future Ryder Cup
to Texas. Meanwhile, the PGA Championship is slated to be
played at PGA Frisco in 2027 and 2034. Since the area hasn’t
hosted a PGA Championship since 1963, that is a big deal. This
relocation will create a ripple effect on the economy, creating
a market ripe for vendors, suppliers, players, and residents
close to the game of golf. The project will reside near US 380
and the Dallas North Tollway. When will we see this? Believe
it or not, not in the too distant future. Could be as early as
2022—with the hotel and convention center not far behind.
“PGA Frisco is destined to become the future home of American
golf,” said PGA chief operating officer Darrell Crall. “We are
working collaboratively on every step, on roads and design, making
sure we are all committing to the community and executing in a
way that everyone can be proud of. Frisco is a perfect match for
our corporate culture. The PGA of America is thrilled to bring
our headquarters and championship golf to Northern Texas.”
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