Charlotte’s PGA Tour stop: A new name, and some extras for fans
More than the sponsor name has changed for this year’s PGA Tour stop in Charlotte.
Organizers of the Truist Championship, to be played May 7-10 at the Quail Hollow Club, say they are stepping up efforts to make the event special for fans.
“The overall fan experience has been a major focus for us this year,” Adam Sperling, executive director of the Truist Championship, said Tuesday in a media event in south Charlotte.
“We have big goals, in that respect,” Sperling added.
Some of the new wrinkles for fans headed to Quail Hollow next month include expanded public grandstands along several popular holes, expanded concession and souvenir areas for fans, new technology that will help fans “find” their favorite golfers on the course … and a Carolina Panthers-related event.
This is the first year with Charlotte-based Truist Financial Corp. as sponsor of Charlotte’s PGA event.
The tournament was known as the Wachovia Championship from 2003-2008, and after two years as the Quail Hollow Championship, it was rebranded the Wells Fargo Championship in 2012.
Wells Fargo ended its sponsorship after 2024, and Truist signed a seven-year agreement to back the tournament. It was played last year in Philadelphia, because Quail Hollow was host site of the PGA Championship.
“Bringing the tournament back here to Charlotte is an incredible feeling,” Truist Chairman and CEO Bill Rogers said.
The Truist Championship’s six remaining years are scheduled for Quail Hollow, through 2031.
The tournament is among the PGA Tour’s Signature events, which means most of the tour’s top players are expected to participate.
Sperling was asked Tuesday about ticket sales for this year, and he took the answer in a different direction.
“We’re not trying to beat a specific number,” he said. “It’s about creating a positive experience for fans. Ticket sales are great, and we have big goals. But fan experience is most important.”
So what are some of those promised improved fan experiences?
The fan zones
There will be three special areas for fans to gather — the Green Mile Courtyard, in the area between the 16th, 17th and 18th holes; South End, near where holes 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 intersect; and The Park, along the first, eighth and ninth fairways.
Those are in addition to the private hospitality areas, to which fans can buy tickets at a higher cost.
“The fan shop along the first hole is about four times the size of a usual fan shop,” Sperling said. In addition to PGA vendors, local companies like the 704 Shop and Girl Tribe will have items for sale.
New public seating
Sperling said the public seating areas have been expanded, and a new set of grandstands will be near the 17th green. That’s a popular site for fans, as No. 17 is a tough par-3 in which pros must hit tee shots across a lake and try to keep their drives from rolling off the green.
Hydration stations
Atrium Health is among the tournament’s sponsors, and Sperling said Atrium will provide free water for fans this year.
“It’s important to stay hydrated, and Atrium will have free water, along with 5,000 Stanley Cups for fans,” Sperling said.
He said there will be water dispensers at five locations on the course.
“There will be a limited supply of the Stanley cups, but we also encourage fans to bring their own water with them,” Sperling said. “Then they can refill at the water stations.”
Military theme
Tournament organizers said the U.S. Navy will be recognized throughout the week. The U.S. Fleet Forces Band will perform the national anthem during Friday’s second round, followed by a flyover.
Sperling promised other military-themed surprises during the tournament.
Part of Friday’s Folds of Honor event will include the awarding of scholarships to families of fallen or injured military members and first responders.
A special recognition
While the actual competition takes place Thursday through Sunday, golfers will be on the course for practice rounds and pro-am events Monday through Wednesday of tournament week.
Truist Championship Tuesday, on May 5, will include an event honoring the late Charlie Sifford, a pro golf pioneer. Sifford, born in Charlotte, became the first Black member of the PGA Tour in 1961 and later two events on the tour. He died in 2015.
Officials plan to unveil a statue honoring Sifford for his golf legacy.
And the Panthers …
Sperling said a number of former Carolina Panthers players will be a part of the Wednesday pro-am and other events that day.
Among those scheduled to participate are Steve Smith Jr., Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Jonathan Stewart.
“We’ll have more to come,” Sperling said.
For tickets and other information about this year’s Truist Championship, check the tournament website.
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Charlotte’s PGA Tour stop: A new name, and some extras for fans."