DraftKings and the PGA Tour have confirmed that a groundbreaking ceremony regarding a retail sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale, dubbed the ‘19th hole’, has taken place.
The development was first disclosed in April 2021 after an expanded alliance between the two parties saw the operator add official sports betting partner designation to the daily fantasy sports collaboration already held.
Jay Monahan, Chair of the PGA Tour, said to Golf.com regarding the project: “We know this will elevate The People’s Open to a new level.
“We know this new facility will be worthy of Scottsdale and Arizona’s reputation as a world-class destination, and help maximise the PGA Tour’s economic, tourism and charitable impacts on this state and this community.”
DraftKings promises that the space will be “visually stunning” once finalised, and will permit fans to gather year-round to watch sports and enjoy several food and beverage options. In addition to this land-based development, the proposal also saw the operator gain access for mobile sports betting in Arizona.
Among the senior executives on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking alongside Monahan were DraftKings CEO Jason Robins; city of Scottsdale, Arizona Mayor David Ortega and Thunderbirds President Dr Michael Golding.
DraftKings and the PGA Tour add that they are working closely with the city of Scottsdale and the Thunderbirds, the host organisation of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, to develop the project and maximise economic, tourism and charitable benefits to the local community.
At the time of the project first being disclosed, Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings, said: “When DraftKings became the first official betting operator of the PGA Tour last summer, a number of possibilities opened up to innovate together,.
“This momentous effort to pursue a first-of-its-kind sportsbook with the PGA Tour is a testament to the vision of both organisations that we believe will ultimately benefit Arizona sports fans who want to legally bet on sports.”
