Tourney director says area businesses need to take initiative
FARMINGTON – With 144 of the top golfers in the world in town to play in the 84 Lumber Classic at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa this week, tournament director Tom Baxter thinks area businesses need to take the initiative. And with added attractions like the fall festival, a massive antique car show and weekend concerts by Smash Mouth and Jo Dee Messina, Baxter said local eateries and entertainment venues need to take better advantage of predicted large crowds and elite guests in the county.
Baxter, who worked as a volunteer organizer last year and was named tournament director by resort owner Joe Hardy just a few months ago, said businesses in the mountains and in Uniontown missed an opportunity to reap financial benefits last year from the PGA Tour event.
“Especially, the food industry and the bars,” Baxter said. “They need to capitalize a little bit. I mean all the players are in their 40s or younger.
“We need to treat them as good as they can be treated,” he added.
According to Baxter, after visiting other tournaments around the country, the sometimes small regions and communities where the tournaments are held pull together to welcome the PGA players, something Baxter said the county needs to do as well.
“They put out ads in the newspapers,” Baxter said of other communities. “We have people from out of town visiting. We need to advertise. We need to get the word out.”
Baxter said this year there has been more support in the local community, with many businesses displaying large banners supporting the tournament and welcoming the players.
The Gibbon Glade resident said businesses need to just run regular specials and spectators and pros will be drawn to the deals.
“These guys want everything from wings to lobster,” Baxter said. “They all have different interests. And Nemacolin can’t offer everything for every interest.”
Baxter said even local movie theaters need to advertise, as many golfers like to take in a movie after their round: “Many of them are bringing their families this year.”
Jay Don Blake, who has been on the PGA Tour since 1987, said he and his wife will venture down the mountain to Uniontown to try some of the local eateries. And while most tour players bring their families to the resort because of all the added amenities and attractions, Blake said that doesn’t mean they will not leave the Nemacolin complex.
“We will go out and eat and see what there is to see,” Blake said.
Baxter said even those without families have reason to hit the area’s hotspots.
“The players and caddies, they want to get out a little bit too,” Baxter said.
Baxter said area attractions like Ohiopyle, Fort Necessity and Fallingwater also should capitalize on the event. He also noted that many players are interested in hunting, bowling and fishing, especially fly fishing.
He and tournament officials and organizers hope the stronger field – 18 of the world’s top 30 players on the PGA Tour money list – as well as the additional attractions should bring the business community together and help the area benefit economically from the national event.
“Last year they gravitated to Morgantown, W.Va., rather than Uniontown because they did a better job of getting their name out there,” Baxter said. “This year I think Uniontown has gotten the hint and should do better.