Oakmont Prepares Better For U.S. Women's Open

More than 100,000 golf fans are expected to gather in Oakmont during the U.S. Women’s Open, which rolls through town July 8-11 at the Oakmont Country Club.

However, when the U.S. Men’s Open was held in Oakmont in 2007, many residents and business owners believe those who were in town hoping to catch a glimpse of the tournament didn’t spend much time in the town itself.

“It was such a huge crowd for the Men's Open,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Summer Tissue. “Parking was a problem, but I just think we didn't have a presence up there, people didn't really know we were down here.”

Oakmont Bakery is a week away from churning out hundreds of golf-themed goodies in hopes of enticing the thousands of spectators who are expected to be in town.

Tissue said that many tourists who came to Oakmont in 2007 bypassed the quaint business district all together, unaware of the unique stores hidden in town.

“Like this one, Mystery Lovers Books, an incredible business. It's a gem,” said Tissue.

So, this time around, the Chamber is taking a proactive approach.

“(We) got us a grant to help with the advertising and billboard ads and promotional booklets,” said Tissue.

The $20,000 grant will be spent on advertising and marketing. Tissue said the town will also be making pamphlets to reach the spectators who are just blocks away.

“I think it's great exposure for the town,” said Marc Serrao of Oakmont Bakery.

Serrano said he saw a 10 percent increase in sales during the Men's Open with little to no advertising, so he's eager to see the boost to his business when spectators get a taste of his town.

Officials are expecting $25 million to $30 million in local revenue during the Women’s Open.

By comparison, the Men's Open in 2007 welcomed about 40,000 people each day and brought in $60 million for the local economy. The Men's U.S. Open returns to Oakmont in 2016.

For more information or to purchase tickets click here.

Previous Stories: June 25, 2010: Pittsburgh Prepares For 2010 Women's US Open With Trophy Tour

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