Details being smoothed out as U.S. Women's Open nears
With less than three months to the start of the U.S. Women’s Open, the lessons learned from 2008 continue to aid this year’s efforts.
The Broadmoor hosted the 2008 U.S. Men’s Senior Open and has made some changes over the past year to ease the flow of players and fans around the course.
Ticket sales are also in line with the 2008 event, which drew 129,000 fans. Half that number has already been sold through Christmas gift packages with a big surge expected over the final three weeks. Defending champion Paula Creamer will make an appearance in late May to spur those efforts with hopes of breaking the 131,000 women’s record set in 2005.
“They’re right on target,” said Tim Flaherty, the managing director of the U.S. Senior and Women’s Open Championships, who visited The Broadmoor Tuesday and Wednesday to finalize some of the details for the event, scheduled for July 4-10, concluding with the 72-hole, $3.2 million major on the par-71 East Course July 7-10.
Almost all the nearly 3,000 volunteers required are already on board.
“People had a good time in ’08 and they’re back,” Flaherty said.
Broadmoor officials traveled to last year’s women’s event in Oakmont, Pa., to see how that facility handled the logistics. That coupled with the 2008 experience has simplified things so far.
“I don’t know what other places that host year after year find to do,” he said.
Volunteer spots, tickets remain available
The deadline to register as an adult volunteer, which costs $125, is April 15.
Tickets remain available with practice rounds starting at $20 a day up to a premium package, currently $199, for all seven days. More expensive packages have already sold out. Go to 2011uswomensopen.com for more information.
