Spotlight: 6 Questions for U.S. Open Championship Director Danny Sink

The Puget Sound region has gratefully welcomed this months U.S. Open golf tournament. Its the first time the tradition-steeped event has ventured to the Pacific Northwest in its century-plus history. All are eager to see what the worlds best golfers think of Chambers Bay Golf Course, the former sand and gravel quarry designed to be evocative of Scotlands great links-style courses.
U.S. Open Championship Director Danny Sink agreed to answer questions about the Open and its first visit here.

SEATTLE BUSINESS: Why has the U.S. Open never been held in Washington?

DANNY SINK: Quite simply, opportunity. The United States Golf Association must be invited to a course that is willing to host any of our national championships. Many courses, while worthy from a design perspective, may not be able to accommodate infrastructure and operational requirements necessary to conduct the U.S. Open. While this is our first mens U.S. Open here, we have a great history of hosting championship golf in Washington. This event marks the 25th USGA championship taking place here.

How was Chambers Bay chosen as the site of this years Open?
While the selection process is private and the USGA receives many invitations annually, the support we received in conducting previous USGA championships in this region certainly contributed to our championship committees decision. We have had the privilege of receiving invitations from the nations top-ranked courses in our 115-year history and are honored to count Chambers Bay as one of our host sites.

How do you estimate the economic impact on the host region?
Economic impact is typically inferred from the direct, indirect and induced spending in the region during the week of the championship. The USGA does not annually conduct studies, but many of our host sites have employed scientific research to determine a final estimate. The host region last year worked with North Carolina State University to collect data and reach the $238 million in economic impact for our inaugural back-to-back mens and womens Open championships at Pinehurst Resort. Estimates at our website (usopen.com) reflect such past studies.

Why are U.S. Open courses traditionally so difficult?
The USGA focuses on delivering a fair and comprehensive test of golf for all of our national championships. This means the course setup and the courses inherent design test every part of a golfers game driving, short game, putting and mental agility. Rather than using the word difficult, we believe our role is to define a champion among the best players in the world.

If this years event is deemed a success, how soon might the U.S. Open return to Chambers Bay, and what is the procedure?
Pierce County can extend a return invitation to the USGA at any time following the completion of this years U.S. Open, which would begin the site-selection process. Future U.S. Open sites through 2021 have already been determined.

What part of the championship are you most excited about?
To play a part in bringing the biggest sporting event to be hosted in the Pacific Northwest is excitement enough for everyone involved. For me, personally, the thought that a young boy or girl from this area attending their first championship at Chambers Bay could get hooked on this great game and grow up to play in or even win the USGA championship is a special feeling.

The U.S. Open golf tournament takes place at Chambers Bay Golf Course from June 15-21.