Military Will Get Free Admission to Practice Rounds at 2015 U.S. Open

The USGA will offer free admission to military members for the three days of practice rounds during the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay Golf Course.

That's according to Pierce County Deputy Executive Kevin Phelps, who gave an update on the golf tournament - the Northwest's first golf major - to the Lakewood City Council this week.

The USGA, which organizes the annual tournament that's one of golf's biggest events of the year, wants to honor military members and their families, he said.

It will be a deal golf fans from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and other Northwest military instillations won't likely pass up.

The tournament in University Place is expected to draw some 235,000 people over seven days. It could generate between $140 million and $150 million in revenue for the region, perhaps more.

It will be a massive operation, one that will include thousands of volunteers and layers of planning between the USGA, Pierce County, UP, Tacoma, Lakewood and other local governments.

For Lakewood, the biggest boon will likely benefit local lodging. More than two years out, the USGA has already reserved hundreds of hotel rooms across town, Phelps said. Retail isn't expected to see a huge increase, as most of the shopping will take place on the golf course.

JBLM will also play a role that week, as it could be used as one of the main parking locations where visitors will be shuttled to and from Chambers Bay, Phelps said.