North Carolina is Teed Up & Ready for the U.S. Open Championships | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Pinehurst, N.C.     With tens of thousands of golf enthusiasts descending on North Carolina over the next two weeks for the 2014 U.S. Open and the U.S. Women's Open, the state has worked hard to make sure they will have a great and unique experience. Several of the state's cabinet level agencies have coordinated their effort to put North Carolina's best foot forward for visitors. It is estimated that more than 400,000 people will attend the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women's Open in Pinehurst during the unprecedented back-to-back events.

    "The state of North Carolina will be on a world stage for the next two weeks, and we want to take full advantage of that to show people what a great state this is," said Governor Pat McCrory. "It's said that 'you never have a second chance to make a first impression,' so we want to make sure that first impression is incredible."

    Departments including Commerce, Public Safety, Transportation and Cultural Resources have spent more than a year going over the smallest details to get ready for the events. From coordinating meetings with international businesses to improving transportation infrastructure, North Carolina is going all out to be an outstanding host.

    N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker sees the tournament as a great vehicle to market the state to businesses that might be considering locating here. The N.C. Department of Commerce is coordinating a number of the state's events surrounding the U.S. Open Championships, including a special "North Carolina Night" performance by the N.C. Symphony on Friday, June 13, to highlight the various amenities North Carolina offers. The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.

    "While the immediate economic impact of the championships will be substantial, we also have the chance to leverage the next two weeks to lead to more economic development for North Carolina," said Secretary Decker. "This is our opportunity to show companies North Carolina's great business environment, and to share some of the advantages of having a corporate presence here."

    The local convention and visitors bureau estimates the total economic impact of the two championships will be $169 million. That includes money spent on lodging, food, beverages, transportation and shopping.

    The N. C. Department of Public Safety has been working closely with USGA officials and local law enforcement to ensure things go smoothly while the events are taking place.

    "The Department of Public Safety's goal is to support, maintain and coordinate law enforcement services to help contribute to a safe and secure environment for those attending the U.S. Open Championships," DPS Secretary Frank L. Perry said. "We want everyone to have a truly pleasurable experience enjoying all that the Sandhills and North Carolina have to offer."

    The N. C. Department of Transportation has been busy with things such as road improvements and special signage to prepare for the U.S. Open. It has also collaborated with the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources on some additional projects.

    "I'm proud of our team for their hard work and the strong collaboration with industry partners and multiple departments to complete projects that will better connect thousands of visitors to this landmark event, help make their travels safer and leave a lasting impression of our great state," said DOT Secretary Tony Tata.

    In preparation for both U.S. Open Championships, the NC Department of Transportation completed three roadway and bridge improvement projects in Moore County. From widening a section of N.C. 211, to updating a bridge on U.S. 15/501 and replacing a bridge over U.S. 1, these projects increase mobility and safety for visitors and residents. At the Moore County Airport, crews added 28,000 square yards of ramp space and extended the runway to 6,500 feet. All of these efforts have been underway since the USGA announced the tournaments in 2007.

    Outside of Moore County, NCDOT installed special directional signs at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Piedmont Triad International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The unique 16 by 4 foot signs stand above artificial turf bases designed to look like putting greens. They will point travelers toward Pinehurst, where the U.S. Opens will take place on the famed No. 2 course. Vibrant plants and mulch will surround the greens to enhance their appeal.

    The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources also partnered with the N.C. Department of Transportation to improve welcome points across North Carolina in a beautification effort inspired by Governor Pat McCrory called Art that Moves You. Through the use of robust landscapes, textured materials, decorative bridge rails, lighting and color, their goal is to weave together public art with roads, airports, rail and ports to keep people and products moving, the North Carolina economy growing and to encourage tourism.

    "This joint, creative effort to beautify welcome points with golf-themed directional signs for the U.S. Open is a part of the Governor's Art that Moves You initiative, a project to improve infrastructures and landscapes throughout North Carolina for the benefit of our great state," said Secretary Susan Kluttz of the Department of Cultural Resources. "This is also an excellent example of the public sector partnering with private entities. We are grateful for the support of the USGA and North Carolina's three major airports to make this happen."

    The U.S. Open will take place at the historic Pinehurst No. 2 course June 9-15, followed by the U.S. Women's Open June 17-22. Staged by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the U.S. Open is the annual open golf tournament of the United States. It is the second of the four major championships in golf, and is on the official schedule of both the PGA Tour and the European Tour.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman
      govpress@nc.gov