USGA Trims Expenses, But Still Putting Money Toward Big Efforts

Vernon Would Like To See  L.A. Host The U.S. Open

USGA President Jim Vernon said as a result of the slumping economy, the organization is "trying to cut expenses wherever we can, but we are going to continue to put our money where we get the most bang for our buck," according to Mike James of the L.A. TIMES. Vernon: "Part of the effect will be in our philanthropic activities. We’re not generating the revenue to fund those at the same level as we have in the past. How can we work with other organizations to combine our resources so we can work on programs, for example, with the PGA of America, how can we work with them to develop the next generation of lifelong golfers? How can we provide opportunities for kids in First Tee? ... That’s where we’re going to focus the dollars." Vernon said the economy is an "integral part of every discussion" for the USGA's exec committee. Vernon: "We have the U.S. Open coming up in June. That’s our financial horse, so we’re spending a lot of time working that problem, making sure we get adequate revenue out of that. The uncertainty is the hard part. We haven’t had any layoffs. The reality is we’ll monitor our expenses as closely as possible." When asked if Riviera Country Club in L.A is too small to host a U.S. Open, Vernon said, "The footprint of the U.S. Open has gotten so big. But at the same time we’re talking about cutbacks in corporate hospitality. ... L.A. is a great market." Vernon added the USGA looks for a "blend" of Public and Private courses for the U.S. Open. Vernon: "We want some of those classic venues, with the tradition, but we want to be open to new facilities, and to the extent that they are public, that’s all the better" (L.A. TIMES, 2/9).

TAKE AN EXTRA CLUB: In Ft. Lauderdale, Randall Mell wrote the PGA Tour, like every other business, "needs a stimulus package, not so much a financial bailout as an emotional jolt to jump-start things." With Tiger Woods yet to play an event this season as he recovers from knee surgery, Phil Mickelson "didn't help things missing the cut in his first start" last month at the PGA Tour FBR Open. Sergio Garcia has yet to play in a Tour event this season, Padraig Harrington made his season debut at this past weekend's Buick Invitational and Vijay Singh is "out while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 2/7).