The white tents are pitched, the skyboxes are set and the grounds are being manicured for the millions of eyes that will be watching an international tournament in Coquitlam next week.
Some 60,000 attendees are expected to pass through the Vancouver Golf Club on Austin Avenue over four days, starting Thursday, to see 48 of the top 50 players on the current LPGA money list.
As well, Golf Canada estimates 120 million people around the world will be tuning their televisions to view the 2012 CN Canadian Women's Open that will include defending champion Brittany Lincicome, world number one Yani Tseng and Michelle Wie.
Coquitlam's Jisoo Keel will also be teeing off just after her 17th birthday on Sunday, hoping to swing in part of the $2-million US purse.
Brent Gough, general manager of the Vancouver Golf Club, said on Wednesday much of the preparation has now been done by Golf Canada crews, who arrived on site July 30.
Gough was in Montreal for last year's tournament to scope out ideas and "ours is going to be the best one yet," he said confidently while surveying the greens, adding, "We're going to to the club and the Tri-Cities proud."
Behind-the-scenes work has been ongoing for at least two years, said David Munro, Coquitlam's economic development manager. Spectators travelling by car will be directed to the tournament's main parking lot, at SFU, and shuttled in. As well, Golf Canada has posted ads at transit stations to advise attendees to take SkyTrain, which has a stop at nearby Lougheed Town Centre.
Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung said additional police officers from the detachment have been recruited to control traffic and patrol the site "though we don't anticipate any problems because it's an elite, classy event," he said.
In addition, the city has spruced up the area surrounding the golf club, recognizing the event will be putting Coquitlam on the map for a global audience. "Our aim is to get as much exposure for them - and for us - as possible," Munro said.
As for the economic spin-offs, Munro expects the nearby restaurants, Austin Heights businesses and Lougheed mall retailers will do well.
Michael Hind, executive director of the Tri-Cities' Chamber of Commerce, said his 800-plus members were informed about the event approaching via social media and newsletters; tournament officials even offered Chamber members special deals on tickets.
"There's a bit of a buzz going around amongst our members," Hind said. "They're expecting business to get a boost and are looking forward to watching some great golf."
Pasha Sheik, general manager of the Executive Inn on North Road, said his hotel is sold-out next week, with many rooms booked for Golf Canada and media crews.
"We expect our commercial district to be a destination for people looking for services and food, especially ethnic and pub fare," said Erin Davidson, executive director of the Austin Heights BIA, which represents 300 members. "This has been on our radar for months."
Davidson said Austin Heights typically sees out-of-town guests when Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex hosts major events such as lacrosse games "but with so many people in for an international tournament... I guess we'll see how well we can cater to it when the time comes."
To buy tournament tickets, call 1-866-571-5742 or visit www.cncanadianwomensopen.com.
