Sahalee a big hit with golf officials

SAMMAMISH — Officials from both the United States Golf Association and Sahalee Country Club are delighted with how well the U.S. Senior Open went, and a return to Sahalee could occur.

"This has been amazing," said Chris Falco, chairman of the tournament and a former Sahalee president.

"We've already contacted the USGA and told them we'd be interested in future opportunities, whether it be the U.S. Senior Open or the U.S. Women's Open," he said.

Falco said Sahalee probably won't want to host another big event for 8 to 10 years. The last big event was the NEC Invitational, a PGA Tour tournament, in 2002.

Timothy J. Flaherty, USGA managing director of the Senior Open, said, "Based on the success of this week, we'd be crazy not to think about coming back."

The tournament benefited enormously from Fred Couples contending.

"Our first goal was, 'Please Fred, make the cut,' " Falco said. "Our next goal, was 'Be up there near the top and be competitive.' It was a total windfall that he wound up being tied for first after three rounds and in the last group Sunday. We couldn't have written it any better than that."

Bernhard Langer shot a final-round 67 to beat Couples by three stokes.

Asked whether Sahalee will at least break even financially, Falco replied, "I'm pretty sure we will. You just don't know until you get through the final ticket sales and all the merchandise and the food and beverage sales."

Falco said the downturn in the economy hurt corporate-hospitality sales. Officials had hoped for more than $2.5 million in sales, but had about $2 million.

Falco was braced to solve major problems throughout the tournament and was relieved that it went so smoothly.

"One of the worst things we've had to deal with is crowds stealing granola bars from the tees," he said with a laugh. (Energy bars and water are available to golfers at various holes).

Flaherty praised everything from course preparation under superintendent Rich Taylor ("just how we wanted it"), to crowds (31,151 Sunday and more than 106,000 for the tournament) and marshals ("exceptional)."

Asked about what USGA events would "fit" Sahalee, Flaherty immediately mentioned the Senior Open and the U.S. Women's Open. He said the U.S. Open is now such a huge tournament that "operationally, it would be very difficult here."

The other PGA Tour golf "major" that changes sites is the PGA Championship, which Sahalee hosted in 1998. The PGA of America runs the tournament and in 2005 withdrew its commitment to Sahalee to be the 2010 host. The PGA of America prefers courses that can handle huge crowds, such as Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis., so the tournament can be more lucrative.

The USGA wants the U.S. Amateur played on courses at least 7,000 yards long, and Sahalee (6,866 for the Senior Open) lacks that length.

Hosting a big event is a huge undertaking for a club and members lose use of the course for weeks. Falco said he didn't hear complaints and said the success of the tournament has left the membership "very proud."