USGA concedes it’s not immune to economic woes, but says US Open doing fine

USGA says it is weathering economic storm

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Officials at the U.S. Open on Long Island say that despite the economic downturn the tournament is sold out.

Pete Bevacqua, chief business officer for the United States Golf Association, says 42,500 fans are expected daily at the tournament, which gets under way on Thursday.

Evidence of fan enthusiasm is evident at the massive souvenir tent at Bethpage State Park. Cash registers were humming with sales of hats, shirts, umbrellas and other items stamped with the U.S. Open logo.

Debi Nagy of Buena Vista, Ga., whose son Matt is among the amateurs competing this weekend, was spotted carrying a bag of souvenirs away from the tent. She confessed it was her second trip.

Things aren’t so rosy on the corporate side. Fewer corporations signing up for pricey hospitality tents.