Shinnecock Hills Job “Open”-Ings

The first US Open Golf Championship was played in 1895 at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island. The course was just nine holes, and 11 golfers participated. The winner, Horace Rawlins, received a $150 cash pirze and a $50 gold medal.

Last year’s winner, Brooks Koepka, took $2.16 million out of a $12 million total purse home from the competition held in Erin, Wisconsin. In advance of the event the Milwaukee BizTimes predicted an economic impact of $120 million to the region … a region where hotel rooms went for a mere $208 per night during the Open. The last major in Wisconsin, the 2015 PGA championship  at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, generated $102 mil. Pricing being what it is in the tony Hamptons, the economic impact of  the open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton will likely eclipse that of Wisconsin.

On Thursday during a press conference heralding the jobs impact, County Executive Steve Bellone predicted a financial influx to the region that could top $130 million. He said analysis is based on expected weekly attendance of over 200,000 people, which include players, fans, volunteers, vendors, and media. There will also be approximately 8,000 hotel rooms booked along with an average of 3500 temporary job opportunities, with many more to be unveiled in the coming months ahead.

Over 550 temporary food service and hospitality jobs at the Open are on the horizon for East End residents. Bellone announced support for the recruiting efforts of open vendor Ridgewells. Its representatives attended a job fair at the East Hampton Library on Friday.

“I am proud and delighted that world class golfers will be returning to the historic Shinnecock Hills golf club for the tournament,” County Legislator Bridget Fleming said Friday.  “We’re excited about the economic opportunity the event brings, including 550 jobs for East End residents that we announced yesterday. This is an excellent opportunity for the East End to show off its amazing assets, such as our beaches and vibrant downtowns.”

“The ultimate test in golf is returning to Suffolk County, Long Island,” said Bellone. “I encourage anyone who is interested in seeking a temporary job or looking to take advantage of the historic experience to apply online as we look this make this another memorable event.”

In partnership with the Suffolk County Department of Labor and the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning, Ridgewells will manage the recruitment, hiring, and training of all event staff to support the large scale catering operation at the U.S. Open. A mix of front- and-back of house catering positions are available that include tent supervisors, beverage managers, buffet managers, bartenders and servers, tent chefs, sous chefs, kitchen assistants, action station attendants, dishwashers, and operation helpers.

Interested candidates are encouraged to send their resumes to usopenstaff@ridgewells.com and indicate the position in the subject line. For more information on county-wide job fairs, call 631-853-6600 or visit the One-Stop Employment Center at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/labor.

“Hiring workers from the surrounding communities is an essential element in providing a first-class experience for fans at the U.S. Open,” said Charlie Howe, the USGA director for the 2018 Open.  “As the Championship approaches we will see more of our vendors seeking local employees to fill key positions. We encourage interested parties to check the New York State Job Bank for updates and additional opportunities.”

This is the fifth time the championship is being hosted at the historic golf course. It will take place from June 11 to 17.