The Real Big Winners of the US Open

Perhaps an even bigger at the US Open than Angel Cabrera are Oakmont Country Club and the USGA. Some amazing statistics:

  • Attendance for the three practice rounds and the four tournament rounds was 258,907, more than 10% more than last year's record at Winged Foot (225,000).
  • With Tiger Woods in the final pairing, NBC saw ratings jump 37% over last year. It was the best Sunday night rating in five years.
  • The US Open at Oakmont was the first time the USGA has used its corporate sponsors in its 107 year history. Lexus supplied 230 luxury vehicles for player use and USGA official use. The cars retail for about $80,000, can parallel park themselves and are installed with real time traffic information in the navigation system.
  • Cabrera may be the antithesis of today's golfer: he smokes, he never went to college and he has never had a professional coach. Still he pocketed $1.26 million for his win.
  • Merchandise flew off the shelves. The white flags were sold out on Wednesday. The red flags were gone by Thursday.
  • Some with fame that attended: Dennis Quaid, Alice Cooper, Sammy Sosa, many professional football players.

1 Response to "The Real Big Winners of the US Open"

  1. Anonymous says:

    Wow! It is totally crazy how much the USGA makes on this event. It's hard to believe that profit goes 100% back into the game of golf.

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