More than 245,000 people are expected to descend on the U.S. Open at San Francisco’s Olympic Club today, and more than a few of them are expected to walk through the doors of businesses in nearby Daly City.
Some restaurants on Daly City’s John Daly Boulevard have already seen a surge of new customers as media, golfers, spectators and volunteers arrive for the competition. Practice rounds begin today, and the tournament kicks off on Thursday.
“We’ve actually already seen an increase in business, especially in the early morning,”
said Lana Flatt, general manager for the Boulevard Cafe. “We’re a busy restaurant anyway, but I think we’re one of the few that open up very early in the morning.”
Boulevard Cafe is one of eight or nine restaurants in the area that has hired additional staff in preparation for the U.S. Open, which is expected to bring an estimated $100 million in benefits to the region, said Daly City Councilman David Canepa.
“We’re really excited about it,” Canepa said of the event.
While Daly City has “buffed the sidewalks” and prepared for the onslaught of people, Canepa said the U.S. Golf Association reimburses cities for those expenses.
Those planning to attend the competition, however, should be aware that while Daly City is ready to welcome them, it doesn’t have anywhere for them to park.
Organizers are offering parking at Candlestick Park and a shuttle, as well as a shuttle from the Colma BART station, Canepa noted. In addition, Muni will be running buses into the area from San Francisco.
“People should be aware that there is no parking for them in our neighborhoods,” Canepa said.
The Olympic Club is America’s oldest athletic club, according to club officials. The competition will bring the U.S. Open to the club’s Lake Course for the fifth time since 1955.
The course, known for its tree-lined fairways and small, bunkered greens, has a history of upsets; leading names including Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Payne Stewart led early in the competition, only to lose to less well-known players.
The U.S. Open will affect service on Muni’s 18 46th Avenue route, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Delays and relocated stops should be expected in the area of the competition.
Sara Gaiser, Bay City News
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