WHEREAS, The United States Open Championship, or U.S. Open, in men's golf celebrates its 120th year in 2015, starting from humble beginnings in Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Washington will host the 2015 U.S. Open men's golf championship in June at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place; and

WHEREAS, Washington will benefit from this historic event, which will promote tourism and raise the public profile of our region; and

WHEREAS, Professional sport provides an opportunity for people of all walks of life to join in good sportsmanship, camaraderie, and enjoyment; and

WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to attend this year's U.S. Open, boosting economic activity and attracting global attention to Chambers Bay Golf Course and its surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, An estimated $140 million in economic activity will result from hosting the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay Golf Course, through increased tourism, retail, transportation, lodging and dining, and construction; and

WHEREAS, Washington's state and local governments have worked together to improve nearby parks and recreation activities to welcome guests from around the world for the first-ever U.S. Open men's golf championship in the Pacific Northwest;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the significant economic and cultural contributions of the U.S. Open golf tournament to Pierce County and the entire state of Washington, and recognize how this historic first for the region will promote interest in hosting significant events in our region, such as a future U.S. Open, by demonstrating the hospitality, natural wonder, and recreational opportunities Washington has to offer; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the citizens, officials, businesses, and community partners involved in the tournament are commended for their hard work on behalf of the region and the State, for without their diligence, the U.S. Open tournament would not have been possible.

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8675,

adopted by the Senate

May 27, 2015

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate