'Golf by day, music by night' fuels Korn Ferry Tour's Albertsons Boise Open

For more than three decades, the Albertsons Boise Open has distinguished itself on the Korn Ferry Tour not merely as a proving ground for emerging golf talent but as a community event fusing sport and entertainment in an unparalleled manner. Held annually in Boise, Idaho, this tournament has evolved into a hybrid experience where fans witness competitive golf during daylight hours and enjoy high-profile musical performances after dusk.

This dual-format event has become a notable fixture for future major champions. Several players who have competed here went on to claim multiple major titles, underscoring the tournament’s role as a staging ground for golf’s rising stars. However, the allure of the Albertsons Boise Open extends well beyond the fairways. Since its inception 37 years ago, it has developed a reputation for integrating live concerts featuring acclaimed artists, making the tournament a multi-dimensional attraction.

Jeff Sanders, who has been instrumental in orchestrating this festival-like atmosphere, has curated an impressive roster of musical acts over the past decade. His vision of “golf by day, music by night” has brought legendary and contemporary performers to Boise, enhancing the event’s appeal. Past headliners include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Goo Goo Dolls, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and Sheryl Crow, among others, while recent editions have showcased artists like Nelly, Counting Crows, and Hardy.

The concert series is not a side attraction but a core component of the event’s identity, with nightly shows commencing shortly after the final putt drops. This setup offers attendees an accessible and affordable entertainment package, with tickets priced modestly to encourage wide participation. Remarkably, the entire ticket revenue is channeled to local charities, a commitment that has persisted for ten consecutive years, enabling the tournament to amass over $3 million for charitable causes in recent years and a cumulative $45 million since its start.

This philanthropic focus is embedded deeply into the event’s fabric. Attendees can designate their ticket purchase to one of more than 40 local nonprofit organizations, reflecting the tournament’s community-centered ethos. The principal sponsor, Albertsons—a grocery chain headquartered in Boise since 1939—leverages this platform to give back to the region that has supported it for generations.

Charitable fundraising efforts extend beyond the tournament and concert days. A notable highlight is the Tuesday night pro-am dinner, which combines golf and intimate performances for a select audience. Past performers at this event have included rock luminaries such as Sammy Hagar, ZZ Top, Brett Michaels, and Jon Bon Jovi, creating a unique convergence of celebrity golf and music.

In a testament to the tournament’s charitable spirit, organizers recently granted a competitive exemption to a local golfer, Tyler Aldridge, who pledged all his potential earnings to charity. Although Aldridge’s recent performance was modest, the gesture exemplifies the tournament’s commitment to supporting players and giving back to the community.

The Albertsons Boise Open is contracted through at least 2028, with options to extend, signaling confidence in its enduring appeal and impact. Its blend of emerging golf talent, high-caliber live music, and substantial charitable contributions renders it a distinctive event on the Korn Ferry Tour calendar—one that embodies both sporting ambition and community generosity.

As other golf events attempt to replicate its model, the Boise Open stands as a singular example of successfully melding professional sports and entertainment while prioritizing philanthropy. It remains a vital occasion for Boise, delivering both economic and cultural benefits and fostering a spirited atmosphere that draws tens of thousands of spectators each year.