Dear friends and neighbors,

Well, the wait is finally over and the event we've all been pining for has arrived! As you can see from the photo below, the massive tents are up, the grandstands are decorated with USGA flags and our own Chambers Bay Golf Course is set to host the greatest golfers in the world come Monday, June 15th.

I'm not calling this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (because we want the U.S. Open to come back again and again!) but it feels that special. I truly hope you have plans to come visit during the national championship and experience what it's like to have a worldwide stage in our own backyard.

Earlier this week, I sponsored Council Resolution 2015-81 honoring the United States Golf Association and the U.S. Open. You can click here or click on the image to read it.

I should mention that even though the U.S. Open is taking place we will be conducting our regular County business as usual. That includes a Community Development Committee meeting on Monday to consider amendments to Pierce County's Comprehensive Plan.

Below is a collection of excellent, good-to-know information about next week. If you have any specific questions that can't be answered by the USGA, Chambers Bay or Pierce County websites, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Golf 101

In case you aren't much of a golfer but still want to participate in the week's excitement, PCTV has a video to help you better understand the difference between birdie and bogey.

Know before you go

Are you attending the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay? Here’s what you need to know before you go…from where to park, what to wear and what you can - and can’t - bring with you.

How did we get here?

In this video, you can learn about what went into Pierce County’s decision to build Chambers Bay, what was happening behind the scenes, and you can see rare, archive video of the site before and during construction.

How you can participate (without tickets)

One of the most impressive parts of the U.S. Open experience (besides the amazing golf, of course!) is found inside the tents set up around Spectator Square. One of the biggest and most entertaining tents is the Merchandise Pavilion, where you can choose from thousands of different U.S. Open, USGA and Chambers Bay items. And between now and Sunday, June 14, it's open to the general public!

Links for more information

Didn't see what you were looking for in the videos above? Please browse through these informational links to get more information on the U.S. Open, Chambers Bay and what to expect during the upcoming week.

Show your support!

This global sports event is so large that its benefits will extend to many businesses in Pierce County and neighboring counties. We expect hotels and restaurants will be some of the biggest beneficiaries. Others include ground transportation, retail shopping, food and beverage, and construction supplies & services.

As a business you can show your support for this event by printing one of these posters and having it on display. The posters serve as a welcome to U.S. Open visitors, and are a reminder to local residents.