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Big spending during Honda Classic week

Posted at 7:07 PM, Feb 28, 2016
and last updated 2018-12-14 16:50:22-05

Organizers say this year's Honda Classic could set a record for attendance, resulting in local businesses cashing in after a down year in 2015.

Economic studies estimated a $45 million impact from this year's golf tournament. However, businesses say after this week, they're expecting much higher numbers than that.

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Along PGA Boulevard, there's one word for the past four days.

"Perfect. The weather has been perfect," says golf fan Kevin Morris.

Morris visited Rocco's Tacos following Sunday's final round.

"70-72 degrees, sunny everyday. Fabulous," said Morris.

That's just a microcosm of the 2016 Honda Classic, which included a record turnout and plenty of spending.

"A lot more (spending) than last year," says Alex Farley at Rocco's Tacos.

Business owners were hoping for a big year after 2015's soaker.

"Couldn't be more thankful. It's really crazy, especially because this has been such a huge event," says Max Sekerel at Prosecco Cafe.

Sekerel said because of the golf tournament, word has spread of his business.

"A lot of people have been flooding in during the lunch time.  It's more crowded more lively," says Sekerel.

Roughly 193,000 people attended the 2014 Honda Classic which set a record. The 2016 tournament is expected to top that.

"Not surprised, but I'll tell you next year it's going to be a record again. It's going up every year," says Morris.

We won't know the final numbers until Monday, but organizers at the Honda Classic expect a record turnout for this year.