The eyes of the world are on San Martin and South County for this week’s 2016 U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament at CordeValle Resort, and few are more grateful than Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman.
“Thank you to all who are visiting here, and to all those who call South County home,” Wasserman said at a proclamation presentation July 8 at the members’ center at CordeValle, just a few yards away from three of the USGA venue’s tee boxes.
Wasserman represents the district that includes San Martin, Morgan Hill and Gilroy on the board of supervisors.
The 71st USGA U.S. Women’s Open is taking place this week for the first time in Santa Clara County. The annual tournament, which changes venues each year, is considered the premier championship event for women’s golf.
Wasserman noted that the tournament is bringing tens of thousands of visitors from outside Santa Clara County to San Martin and surrounding communities, spending their money at local restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
But that’s a “drop in the bucket” compared to the “international exposure” of CordeValle that this week’s 18 hours of live televised broadcast on Fox Sports will bring to far corners of the world.
“This international exposure is going to go a long way in raising awareness of South County and Santa Clara County to the world,” Wasserman added. “Some of the greatest wineries in the world are in Santa Clara County.”
The supervisor made a point to mention the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, a casual rural route designated by county-sponsored road signs leading visitors and residents to many of the more than 20 wineries located throughout South County.
The proclamation he issued to CordeValle President Luca Rutigliano and tournament organizers reads, in part, “It is with great pleasure and honor that CordeValle hosts the world’s best golfers at this 71st U.S. Open. Preparation for a championship of this magnitude is deeply appreciative of the support of the members, the community and staff for making this event possible, spectacular and memorable.”
The U.S. Women’s Open continues through the evening of Sunday, July 10. Check the Times’ website throughout the weekend for updates on the competition as well as the impact of the event on the local area.
