COVINGTON - In just five months the PGA tour will tee off for The Greenbrier Classic.
Tim McNeely is the tournament director.
“We're trying to reach out to all the folks that might actually feel the impact and see some of the influx of people to get them ready, because it's fair to say that local businesses need to be aware that there's 200,000 people coming that week,” explained McNeely.
Yes, 200,000 people.
Covington is the next town to the east of The Greenbrier on I-64.
Of course, one of the greatest needs for tour visitors is a place to stay and that has prompted several folks in the Alleghany Highlands to rush to open their inn or bed and breakfast before golf fans start rolling in.
With the resort already booked the week of the tournament the hotels just over the Virginia line are filling up fast.
The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce says they're getting ready and bracing for what's to come.
“The first year is going to be a learning experience for us and will help us identify areas of need for the coming years,” said Teresa Hammond, Executive Director of the chamber.
Since the tour announcement the chamber has already identified some needs through a recent study, but there isn't enough time or money to fix the problems before the tour stop, like the need for more signage and printed guides for visitors.
However, what doesn't need to be improved is the natural beauty and outdoor resources of the area and that may just be the big money maker come tee time.
Right now, the chamber's budget for marketing is just $5,000 a year.
They have a bill before the General Assembly to raise the lodging tax three percent.
If it passes, it will increase that budget to $110,000 a year.
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