TACOMA, Washington 鈥� Mainland and Vancouver Island golf fans are making their way down to Chambers Bay for the first-ever U.S. Open to be held in the Pacific Northwest.
They鈥檙e taking their positions on a piece of property formerly used as a sand and gravel mine as it prepares for its major moment.
According to USGA officials, thousands of sa国际传媒 residents are expected in the Seattle/Tacoma area as the likes of World No. 1 Rory McIlroy, Masters champion Jordan Speith and fan favourites Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods et al challenge the course designed and built specifically for a U.S. Open.
The tournament, which begins Thursday but has been busy with official practice rounds since Monday, is expected to bring a $140 million economic impact to Pierce County, say USGA officials, drawing the most Canadian fans, volunteers and media than ever before.
鈥淚 can tell there will be a ton of people from out of town because the hotels in Seattle are pricey this weekend,鈥� Victoria native Matt Parkes said with a chuckle.
Parkes, his brother Adam, mom Carolyn and dad Terry Parkes are all making their way down for Friday鈥檚 Round 2 of the second golf major of the year. The brothers and their families decided it would be the perfect birthday present for dad, who turned 65 at the end of May.
鈥淲e came up with the idea last year and thought dad would just love that,鈥� said Matt, a member at Olympic View Golf Course who grew up playing at Gorge Vale where Terry is a member.
They are also combining it with a trip to the Seattle Mariners鈥� game on Thursday.
鈥淲e just got the Friday tickets to Chambers Bay because we thought one day would be just fine. Dad doesn鈥檛 like to be away too long, anyway. I thought Friday we鈥檇 be able to see everyone before the cut comes down on the weekend,鈥� said Matt.
The Parkes family will not be alone.
Colleen and Bill Wright of Brentwood Bay will be on hand for Round 1 on Thursday.
鈥淚t鈥檚 our first one,鈥� said Colleen of a live PGA event. 鈥淲e thought with it being so close to home in our own back yard, how could we not go?鈥�
The pair was setting out earlier in the week to stop and play golf along the way, including a round at The Cedars at Dungeness at Sequim, Washington.
鈥淲e鈥檙e really looking forward to it,鈥� said Colleen, who will keep a close eye on Speith. 鈥淵ou wait, this kid is going to be a star. But I also want to see Rory and Phil. I鈥檓 excited about being able to be up close and Bill is a golf fan, period. He preaches about everybody, but I know he really likes Bubba Watson. It will be great to see him in person as well.鈥�
