U.S. Open Offers Little to Some Businesses

Nearly two weeks ago, small business owners who operate along Haverford Avenue asked Haverford Township and U.S. Open officials for some relief in the face of lost business during the golf tournament.

Tournament Director Hank Thompson was there and heard the frustration of some small business owners who blamed the USGA for costing them thousands while the United States Golf Association brings in millions. 

Thompson addressed their concerns during an interview with Haverford Patch  on the 18th green of Merion Golf Club Monday. Thompson says the business owners' concerns are best addressed through the township and network of about 5,000 volunteers who will be working the U.S. Open. He says that's the best way to get the word out about those businesses and encourage local patrons to support them before and after the tournament week.

Thompson says he understands the concerns of stores like Pepper's Cafe, Sherwin Williams and the car wash on Haverford Road.  Haverford Road will remain open for access to the businesses during the June 10-16 tournament week but neither township or USGA officials deny it will have a severe impact on the traffic that uses the road, and customers for the small businesses along it.

Speaking with Patch during a media tour of the Merion course, Thompson says in terms of tossing a little business the way of the store owners during the tournament week, his hands are tied and he's frank to admit there's not much the USGA can do for the business owners during the tournamment week.

Click on the video clip to hear his answer to small business owners who asked whether the U.S. Open could send some business their way during the Open.

For his part, Thompson says he and members of the USGA staff have been trying to patronize the businesses that will be impacted in the months and weeks leading up to the U.S. Open.