U.S. Open to serve as economic jolt for region's economy
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • June 2, 2025
Sports have played a crucial role in the economic stability of the Pittsburgh region and Western Pennsylvania for generations.
With the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, Pitt and other college and professional sporting events bringing year-round entertainment to the region, the local economy is undoubtedly intertwined with sport.
Hosting a U.S. Open takes that lucrative connection to a different level.
Following three days of practice rounds, the U.S. Open will be contested from June 12-15 at historic Oakmont Country Club, a cathedral of the game of golf and an iconic venue in the local golf scene and far beyond.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the U.S. Open back to Allegheny County and to have the chance to showcase our incredible region on a global stage,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “This is more than just a golf tournament, it’s a powerful opportunity to market the Pittsburgh region to national and international audiences, highlight our world-class hospitality, and invite thousands of visitors to experience everything our communities have to offer.
“We’re grateful to the USGA and Oakmont Country Club for choosing Allegheny County, and we look forward to making this a moment of pride for our entire region.”
With an estimated 200,000 spectators pouring through the gates of the course over seven days, the prospects of the financial benefits for the region’s economy are outstanding.
When the U.S. Open was held at Oakmont in 2016, an estimated economic impact of over $220 million was created for the region, according to the event’s operators, the USGA (United States Golf Association).
The USGA projected that an average of $957.07 was spent per spectator while in the Greater Pittsburgh region for the 2016 U.S. Open. That number accounted for accommodations (hotels and lodging), dining, shopping, transportation and more.
That figure could grow — and perhaps quite significantly — in 2025.
The last time golf’s national championship graced Western Pennsylvania, the sport was going through a downturn in popularity following the boom it experienced during Tiger Woods’ prime.
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, participation and interest in the game has grown again. And rapidly.
As a medium to get outside and interact with people during a time where that was so restricted, golf once again became a popular outlet. Add in the growing social media and apparel craze surrounding the game, and it’s easy to imagine this U.S. Open being the biggest sporting event in Pittsburgh history to date — and one of the country’s biggest golf events since the Woods era.
For a more recent comparison than 2016, just look at the 124th U.S. Open, held last year at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.
The average spending per attendee at Pinehurst was up around $200 from 2016’s U.S. Open at Oakmont — at an estimated value of $1,156.40 per person for the entirety of the event.
The hospitality industry saw the biggest economic impact. The average length of hotel stay at Pinehurst was 3.4 nights. The average traveling party size was 2.9 people, and the average person spent over $200 on recreational activities.
Overall, the estimated economic benefit for Pinehurst — located 100 miles outside of Charlotte — was $242.5 million.
The USGA breaks that number down into three categories. $112.8 million came from total direct output, $88.6 million from total indirect output and $41.1 million from total induced output.
Unlike Pinehurst, Oakmont Country Club is located a mere 14 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, meaning that there will be more local establishments that could see spending related to the U.S. Open. It is also just over 30 miles away from Pittsburgh International Airport, resulting in more ease of travel to the region for those coming to town.
“Hosting the 2025 U.S. Open once again in Oakmont, PA, represents a pivotal opportunity for our region to showcase its vibrant economy and rich hospitality,” said Lauren Connelly, Allegheny County Director of Economic Development. “We anticipate that the event will generate substantial economic impact, with local hotels projected to see a significant boost in room bookings, contributing millions in revenue.
“Additionally, surrounding restaurants and retail businesses will benefit from an influx of visitors, creating more than 1,000 temporary and permanent jobs as part of tournament week alone.”
A year ago, Pinehurst saw a total of 1,812 jobs supported, according to the USGA.
According to multiple studies, fans pour roughly $172 million into the local economy during an entire Pittsburgh Steelers season. One week of U.S. Open golf may very well surpass that already impressive amount with ease.
Hotel rooms are indeed becoming increasingly scarce throughout the region for the week of June 8-15. Restaurants are already taking reservations. Western Pennsylvania golf courses are seeing tee times get gobbled up at an impressive rate.
The USGA and Oakmont Country Club do recognize that there can be side effects of having such a massive operation, as well, and are working to deliver a more sustainable U.S. Open.
The USGA has worked to reduce water, fuel and landfill waste at its events. It has eliminated virtually all single-use plastics at concession stands and, in a more global picture, is investing over $30 million over the next 15 years to further reduce golf’s use of water.
With that in mind, the USGA Green Section also provides free course consulting visits to the region’s public golf courses to support their sustainability goals.
An event of this magnitude can’t be pulled off without the assistance of numerous local entities, such as Allegheny County, the boroughs of Oakmont and Plum, local leaders, businesses and residents, who will provide various types of assistance to the U.S. Open’s operations, setup and post-event needs.
Because of the commitment of Allegheny County and and surrounding Boroughs, the USGA, Oakmont Country Club and the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association are investing in the region, announcing a $1 million investment into Public Golf, Community and Leadership Programs — a significant move that will benefit local parks, public golf courses and will empower future leaders in the golf industry and beyond.
Oakmont Country Club was named an anchor site for the U.S. Open in 2021, establishing a connection not only between the USGA and Oakmont, but to the region and its people, as well.
And with the club set to host the national championship through at least 2049, Western Pennsylvanians can rest easy knowing that positive economic jolts are on the way for years to come.
“Our hope is that our residents will engage with the exciting events and activities and that visitors will explore all that Oakmont and Allegheny County has to offer, especially the local retail and restaurants, during their stay,” added Connelly.
“While this event is an important event about golf, it’s also a catalyst for growth and a chance to strengthen our local economy long after the final putt.”
For any media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and nearly 37,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.