RAPID CITY, S.D. – A national junior golf tournament held in Rapid City this fall generated nearly $385,000 in estimated economic impact for the local community.
According to Visit Rapid City, the 2026 American Junior Golf Association tournament was held September 3 through 6 at the Golf Club at Red Rock and attracted 78 golfers from 22 states and three countries.
Tournament visitors spent more than $152,000 during their stay, producing 444 hotel room nights and providing a boost to local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses. The event’s total estimated economic impact was calculated at nearly $385,000.
Rapid City Sports Commission Executive Director Domico Rodriguez says sporting events provide a dual benefit by bringing visitors to the community while also generating spending for local businesses.
The tournament also helped showcase Rapid City as a sports tourism destination, with social media content from the event reaching more than one million people across multiple platforms.
On the course, Lauren Richardson captured the girls’ title at one-under par, while Cole Durham won the boys’ division at seven-under par. The tournament was organized through a partnership between the American Junior Golf Association and the Rapid City Sports Commission as part of ongoing efforts to attract sporting events and increase tourism in the Black Hills.
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