U.S. Open could be pricey for spectators
The U.S. Open Trophy is shown during a media preview at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, file)
The upcoming U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club is shaping up as a logistical nightmare with 175 thousand people expected to descend on the famous golf course during the second week of June to see Tiger Woods and other top golfers play.
The two major parking lots for ticket holders will be quite a distance from the course, at Rose Tree Park in Media and PPL Park in Chester. About 175 shuttle buses will move people to and from the golf course.
SEPTA’s Kristin Geiger says the transit agency is planning extra service with two major stops within walking or shuttle distance of the Merion East Course.
“We are adding extra cars to our Paoli-Thorndale regional rail line trains,” she said. “We are also going to adding extra trains along our Paoli-Thorndale regional rail line and the Norristown High Speed Line.”
SEPTA has added a U.S. Open link on its website.
If you want to pay a premium price to park, Bob Thomas says area restaurants are taking reservations for parking, but expect to pay from $50 to $75 a day.
“I have three locations that are close by, within a 10- or 15-minute walk to the course where I’m marketing parking spaces,” Thomas said “And one of those locations is almost sold out.”
Thomas, a Realtor, also is offering lodging in private residences.
Golfers, tournament officials and the corporate types who fly in to watch the prestigious tournament have created a brisk market in high-end Main Line real estate. Thomas says he rented one house for $20,000 for the week.