NCDOT Warns of Brevard Road Gridlock as PGA Tour Returns to Asheville

Key points

• NCDOT expects congestion on Brevard Road from Thursday through Sunday, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
• Spectators must park at Biltmore Park Town Square, while volunteers are directed to Biltmore Church; no parking is available at the course.
• The tournament serves as the opening event of the FedExCup Fall Series, with the winner receiving $900,000 and exemptions for the 2027 Players Championship and PGA Championship.
• The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is a Jack Nicklaus-designed par-71 course located approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Asheville at an elevation of 2,200 feet.

Background

Asheville has not hosted a PGA Tour event since the 1942 'Land of the Sky' Open, won by Ben Hogan. The current tournament is the first of an eight-event Fall Series, which provides a critical opportunity for players to secure 2027 Tour membership by finishing in the top 100 of the FedExCup points list. Recent archive coverage notes that Jackson Koivun and other Presidents Cup players are using this event as a tune-up before the international competition at Medinah.

How outlets are covering it

WLOS emphasizes the logistical impact on local commuters, highlighting the NCDOT’s specific advice to use Interstate 26 to bypass congestion. In contrast, PGA Tour and Golf Digest focus on the competitive stakes, noting that only 11 players qualified for the Playoffs are committed, which creates a neutral field where lower-ranked players can compete for significant points. Golf Digest also highlights the presence of Presidents Cup players like Jacob Bridgeman and Jackson Koivun, as well as Brendan Valdes, who is competing after a cancer-free declaration.

Why it matters

The event brings significant economic and logistical activity to the Asheville area, requiring careful navigation for local residents. For the golf community, it is a pivotal moment in the season where players can secure their futures on the PGA Tour for 2027, with the winner gaining major exemptions and a substantial financial reward.

What to watch

The tournament begins on September 17, with coverage on Golf Channel and ESPN+. NCDOT will monitor traffic conditions throughout the week, and the event will conclude on September 20. The results will determine the initial standings for the FedExCup Fall Series and provide a preview for the upcoming Presidents Cup.