UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. — A quarter-million people are headed to Pierce County this week for the U.S. Open golf tournament.
Quick Facts:
- Practice rounds Monday through Wednesday; tournament begins Thursday
- Tiger Woods first to tee off Monday
- 15,000 to 20,000 expected at Chambers Bay Monday
- Homes being rented for about $500 a night
The greatest golfers in the world will start to tee off Monday in the first of three practice rounds before tournament play begins on Thursday.
About 15,000 to 20,000 people are expected at Chambers Bay on Monday.
First up will be Tiger Woods.
On Sunday, Woods was seen hitting balls at the driving range alongside Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan and Masters champion Jordan Speith.
Woods is said to have rented a house near the golf course for him and his entourage to stay this week for the Open.
Nearby residents have rented their homes out for thousands of dollars during the tournament but many are still available.
One property management company, which had a lot of listings, started turning potential renters away a few weeks ago, because the demand slowed.
One property owner, right across the street from the golf course, originally hoped to get $35,000 to $40,000 for the week. He has since dropped the price to $20,000.
Some of the rental brokers say the average house is going for around $500 a night, at this point. Mostly golfers, their coaches and support people are renting the houses, along with big companies who have people coming to or working at the tournament this week.
University Place is expecting a huge boost to the economy as 250,000 golf fans come to town.
The USGA held a kickoff ceremony in Spectator Square Sunday. Soldiers raised the flag and presented the trophy.
Afterward, fans got a chance to take pictures with the U.S. Open trophy.
KIRO
