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Monterey Peninsula Prepares For 2010 U.S. Open

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.- As practice rounds for the 2009 U.S. Open get underway at Bethpage Black, the countdown begins for next year's event, which will play out along the rolling greens and rocky cliffs of Pebble Beach.

"In American golf, Pebble is the iconic spot," said Pebble Beach Head Golf Professional Chuck Dunbar.

Dunbar, who helped host the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, said he's looking forward to their 5th U.S. Open at the course. Dunbar said it was an "electric" event nearly 10 years ago where more than 35,000 people attended each day. Tiger Woods won that championship in 2000.

"Sincerely, it takes an army to put on an event of this magnitude," said Dunbar, while showing off a gigantic metal sculpture Monday that was made after the 2000 U.S. Open. The names of the U.S. Open winners are chinseled along the base. The scuplture stands on one of the smaller golf courses around Pebble Beach, and served as the entrance to the 2000 U.S. Open.

"This is our national championship when it comes to golf," said Dunbar.

Dunbar said they expect to sell 5,000 more tickets each day of the event next year. Preparations for the 2010 U.S. Open are already underway, including renovations to the greens, bunkers and holes. One of the Pebble Beach boutiques at The Lodge is entirely dedicated to the 2010 U.S. Open, selling tee-shirts, hats, sweaters and even golf club covers. The U.S. Golf Assocation is making one change to next year's Open. Golfers will tee off at the 1st and 10th holes instead of just the 1st tee start. Dunbar said this will give spectators twice as much golf, twice as fast.

"I am hoping to come and I have a place to stay," said Eric Nielson, of Texas, who was at Pebble Beach Monday with his wife and plans to come back next year.

Dunbar said it's an event that's good for the community. Real Estate agencies, like Monterey Bay Properties, are already displaying big, blue 2010 U.S. Open banners advertising rental and vacation properties for the weekend. They expect to have more than 300 properties available for visitors, player's families, corporations and media.

"It's going to be a lot of golf, food, beverages and a lot of fun," said Dunbar.