For residents of the Cape Fear region, it’s no surprise that warmer weather often serves as a welcome mat of sorts to all kinds of company.

Whether it’s family stopping by for a weekend visit, friends taking a beach vacation, or clients in town on business, springtime in the Port City is already ripe with opportunities for entertaining guests.

So, just imagine the possibilities the upcoming Wells Fargo Championship will bring!

No matter who has come to call, the PGA tournament, set for May 1-7 at Eagle Point Golf Club, is sure to be on their itinerary.

Before the guests come knocking, prepare for their arrival – and make the most out of this historic weeklong event – using this list of tailored activities and tips.

Business

There’s good reason deals get made on the golf course. A little fresh air and some recreational fun (food and drinks never hurt, either) puts everyone in a good mood and offers ample time to talk business in a more relaxed and casual way.

Naturally, the Wells Fargo Championship affords that kind of atmosphere in which to network and entertain existing or potential clients – and all without breaking the bank!

Invite clients to enjoy the tournament, worry-free, with grounds tickets and concession dollars. Grounds tickets can be purchased as weekly packs or single-day tickets, and concession dollars may be redeemed for food and beverage purchases at any public concession stand.   

Want to really impress your clients? Invite them to the Ocean Club, an all-inclusive, air-conditioned hospitality tent overlooking the 18th green and conveniently located near the clubhouse. Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets.

And if you want to go all out and totally wow your clients, personal “box seats” might do the trick! These reserved tables for four will give your select group clients an unmatched, elevated view of the 17th green in a private, comfortable and covered area. Details about reserved seating are available online.

To ensure your clients have the most enjoyable time possible, refer them to the tournament policies and procedures in advance so they are prepared and informed.

Friends

There’s no better way to spend time with friends on a beautiful spring day in Wilmington than at the Wells Fargo Championship on the stunning Eagle Point Golf Club.

The award-winning course’s par 72-layout and the 229-acre site on which it sits exude southern charm, as they combine the feel of the North Carolina Sandhills with the beauty of South Carolina’s Low Country.

You and your friends can stake out the perfect spot to watch the players come through and take in all the action, or you may want to follow your favorite golfer throughout the day. Click here to see player commitments.

Be sure to check out Carolina Burger Co. on the 8th fairway and 14th green, and treat your visitors to some of favorite regional fare fomr Bojangles’, Poor Piggy’s, Sea Shack and Trolly Stop on the 15th green.

And when you get thirsty, you’ll want to swing by Tito’s Handcrafted Vodka Tee-ki Bar at the Practice Tee, a new feature of the tournament that offers refreshing specialty cocktails and mixed drinks.

What’s more fun that? Well, getting a little good-natured rub in on your friends who aren’t at the tournament. Show them they’re missing when you post to social media using the hash tag #wellsfargochamp, then check out the Wells Fargo Social Media Hub to see your posts in real time.

Family

The tournament is extremely family-friendly, so don’t be worried about bringing the little ones along, especially since kids under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

You can stock up on drinks and snacks at the Coca-Cola Market To Go, located just inside the main entrance to the tournament. There will also be to-go stations set up throughout the course for those emergency snack situations!

On your way in be sure to grab a pairing sheet so your family can easily find their favorite player and on the way out, take home some souvenirs at the merchandise tent, which features a selection of children’s items.

The Wells Fargo Championship Safe-Tee Kid program will assure your child remains safe and supervised if he or she gets separated from you, so you can enjoy the tournament worry-free. Just register your child for the program at the Guest Services Tent.

However you choose to enjoy the Wells Fargo Championship – and whoever you choose to enjoy it with - you can feel even better about attending the tournament knowing a portion of your ticket purchase will support The First Tee of Greater Wilmington, a non-profit aimed at positively impacting the lives of young people through the game of golf.

To date, Champions for Education, the 501(c)(3) organization that runs the tournament, has donated over $19 million to charitable foundations. This year, Champions for Education is proud to assist in this effort and embraces the opportunity for the Wells Fargo Championship to leave a permanent legacy in Wilmington.

Lee Patterson has been the Director of Communications for the Wells Fargo Championship since 2003, after spending 15 years as Media Director for the PGA TOUR.