Rare Sponsor Exemption Earned to PGA Tour Event
Western Carolina standout Tyler Jones lands a historic sponsor exemption to the inaugural Biltmore Championship, joining PGA Tour alumnus J.T. Poston in Asheville.
Tyler Jones, the reigning Southern Conference Men’s Golfer of the Year and current standout at Western Carolina University, has made history by securing a sponsor exemption to compete in the PGA Tour’s inaugural Biltmore Championship. This marks the first time in over seven decades that a PGA Tour event has returned to the mountains of western North Carolina, specifically at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
Jones achieved this milestone through three tournament victories during the 2025-26 season, notably winning the J.T. Poston Invitational at Waynesville Inn & Golf Club. The tournament, scheduled for September 17-20, will feature coverage by major networks including the Golf Channel, PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, SiriusXM, and the PGA TOUR World Feed.
Jones will join fellow Western Carolina alumnus J.T. Poston, a four-time PGA Tour winner, in the field. The achievement has been celebrated by Catamount golf coach Tim Eckberg, who praised Jones's talent and the program's growing recognition. The sponsorship from Explore Asheville and Biltmore Estate underscores the growing integration of local talent within the PGA Tour, creating a full-circle moment for the university's golf program.
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