Tournament Welcomed 78 Players from 22 States and Three Countries

October 26, 2026—Rapid City, South Dakota—The 2026 AJGA Junior – a four-day golf tournament held at Red Rock – generated an estimated $384,634 in total economic impact for Rapid City, as it brought junior golfers and visitors to the area.

The tournament, which was held September 3-6 at the Golf Club at Red Rock, had 78 players from 22 states and three countries. The event generated $152,471 in visitor spending and contributed 444 overnight room nights in local hotels, all while providing an economic boost to Rapid City businesses, from restaurants and shops to lodging properties.  

“This tournament shows how sporting events have a two-fold impact on Rapid City,” said Domico Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Rapid City Sports Commission. “They showcase Rapid City and the area’s offerings to nonresident visitors, while also contributing direct spending into the local economy.”

Beyond its direct economic contribution, the AJGA Junior at Red Rock provided national and international exposure for Rapid City as a destination for sporting events. The tournament’s digital reach extended far beyond Rapid City and South Dakota as updates were shared on social media channels – including Instagram, X, Facebook and TikTok – with a reach over 1 million.

While 78 players participated, the 2026 tournament crowned Lauren Richardson, who finished at 1-under-par 215, and Cole Durham, who won at 7-under-par 209, as the event champions.

This event – done in partnership between the American Junior Golf Association and the Rapid City Sports Commission – is part of Visit Rapid City’s strategic efforts to bring sports events that generate visitor spending, support local businesses and grow Rapid City as a sports tourism destination.

For more information about sporting events in Rapid City, visit www.visitrapidcity.com.

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About Visit Rapid City

Visit Rapid City is the official marketing organization for Rapid City and promotes leisure travel, meetings and conventions, and sporting events to Rapid City and the Black Hills area. More information can be found at VisitRapidCity.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest or discover images and content with #VisitRapidCity.

Visit Rapid City Media Contact:                         

Tia Troy           

tia@lightningbugpublicrelations.com

406.529.8314