Stevens Point Welcomes 43rd U.S. Senior Open Championship With Open Arms

Written by: Josh Paulson

Citizens and local businesses of the greater area of Stevens Point expect a large turnout for the 2023 U.S. Senior Open Championship hosted by SentryWorld from June 27 to July 2.

Multiple business and officials of Stevens Point and other surrounding areas collaborated to create a golf tournament expected to draw in an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 people to the event, and many more viewers on NBC Sports and Golf Channel.

Steve Marino, championship director for the 2023 Senior Open, said he was amazed with the volunteer turnout, having to cap the limit at 2,300 volunteers when only 1,800 are usually required.

Marino said the central Wisconsin area should expect roughly 70,000 people ranging from general spectators, VIPs, clients, USGA officials, third-party vendors, broadcasting staff, and more.

Marino said that Stevens Point will bring in an estimated $20 million of economic impact driven by the tournament and will put the city on a global stage.

“We want to build a mini city on the golf course,” said Marino.

Over 300 different third-party vendors will be on site along with plenty of areas and activities, even for those not interested in golf.

One of such will be the Experience Wisconsin area fan activation village. This zone is dedicated to the cultural staples of the state, selling favorites like brats, cheese curds, and local beer. Daily passes to this area are $45 for the practice round and $85 for the tournament.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $500, and children 17 and under get in for free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Marino said this Senior Open contains the highest purse, or pool of prize money, in senior golf to date at a whopping $4 million.

Marino is looking forward to seeing Wisconsin natives and professional golfers Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly return to play in their home state.

Sara Brish, executive director of the Stevens Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, wants each guest to feel welcome during their time in Stevens Point.

Brish said that the bureau collaborated with local businesses, along with state and county executives, to extend hours for businesses and rent out local houses to those looking for lodging in the area.

“We are rolling out the red carpet,” said Brish. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on a national platform.”

Brish said it’s important to factor in the Riverfront Rendezvous event on the same weekend as the tournament, so accommodation for everyone in town is a major priority.

Brish said Stevens Point can expect a huge help to their economy not only during the tournament, but the continued impacts of this event will also create returning business for the city.

Brish provided information and links to a 7-step guide to renting out housing temporarily during the tournament. Links for renting and other event information can be found below:

https://www.stevenspointarea.com/guide-to-short-term-rentals/short-term-rentals-for-us-senior-open

https://www.stevenspointarea.com/visiting-the-us-senior-open

Josh Paulson

News Reporter

[email protected]