Twenty-nine members of Chambers Bay’s ’15 U.S. Open advance team are at this year’s tournament in Pinehurst to “watch, listen and ask questions” in preparation of hosting the event next summer, according to Scott Hanson of the SEATTLE TIMES. Pierce County (Wash.) Deputy Exec Kevin Phelps said that being at Pinehurst “further assures him that the USGA knows what it is doing when it comes to putting on a championship event.” University Place Mayor Denise McCluskey said that this year’s event is “a glimpse of what her city can expect in a year.” Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor “wants the tournament to run like Disneyland: efficient, safe and secure, with the security part virtually invisible.” He said that the length of the event “makes it a much bigger job than planning security for an event like the Rose Bowl, which lasts a few hours.” But Pastor is “confident the event at Chambers Bay will be secure, thanks to federal, state and local jurisdictions and private companies.” Hanson notes among McCluskey’s activities this week is “meeting with officials from the Village of Pinehurst, focusing on such things as governance, the city’s role, event permitting and community outreach.” McCluskey said that there is "some anxiety among her constituents because of the unknown, and about any inconveniences the tournament might create.” She said, “But overall, we’re amped. People around the world are going to be blown away by Chambers Bay” (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/13).
