By David Shefter, Senior Writer, United State Golf Association
A feature piece from our Spring 2024 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication.
If the 2024 iteration of the U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally is anywhere close to what transpired at Lancaster Country Club nine years ago when the championship made its debut, then prepare to brace for another economic boom.
A record 135,000 spectators came through the gates in 2015 to watch the game’s finest female golfers and they were treated to not only an under-the-radar gem of a venue but also the emergence of the next superstar from the Republic of Korea as 20-year-old In Gee Chun rallied to edge compatriot Amy Yang by one stroke.
For the players, the championship was a major success, from the enormous galleries to the immaculate William Flynn design that had been renovated and restored by the architectural duo of Ron Forse and
Jim Nagle, two gentlemen well-versed on the classic work of Flynn. When the players arrive for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open, they’ll see that even more restorations have been done to the layout, making it an even better test. Just as important as the golf that will be on display over the four competitions days (May 30-June 2) will be the estimated $30 million impacting Lancaster and the surrounding communities.
“We see ourselves as a venue for championship women’s golf,” said championship vice chair and longtime Lancaster C.C. member Rory Connaughton. “The area, community and club embraces women’s sport, and our club has seen it as a great opportunity to be a community asset.”
Keep in mind that it isn’t just the USGA and its staff of professionals, volunteer Rules officials and vendors that will occupy the 400 room nights. Hundreds of volunteers will come to the area from around the country – and even the world – just to assist with the competition. They will serve as on-course marshals and scorers, assist in the Merchandise Tent and help transport fans around the championship grounds. All of these individuals will require food and beverages, so area restaurants, supermarkets and bars will be impacted by the sheer volume of extra visitors.
To prepare for the competition and on-site spectator experience, vendors will be on-site for 3-4 months constructing grandstands, hospitality areas and tents to house media, merchandise, hospitality clients and other individuals vital to the success of the championship. This in itself brings extra occupancy to area hotels and area businesses as well as airport travel and local shopping.
Some members of the USGA staff have been on-site at Lancaster C.C. for the past three years preparing for the event. Besides setting up the golf course, championship event staff must develop transportation, public safety and volunteer plans as well as set up room blocks for those traveling to the championship proper.
With the U.S. Women’s Open being the preeminent major championship for women’s golf, this is a tremendous opportunity for golf fans in eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and other surrounding states to witness the game’s best. This region is devoid of regular tournaments on the PGA and LPGA Tour, and while the LPGA does have annual events in south and north Jersey, this particular area is often forgotten, despite the tremendous number of classic venues.
Anyone who attended the Women’s Open in 2015 saw firsthand how the Lancaster and surrounding communities embraced the championship. All signs point to another highly successful week in the region.
For more information and to get your tickets for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open click here!
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