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Sahalee residents prepare for U.S. Senior Open

July 20, 2010

By Tara Sackman

Kelly Cudworth doesn’t mind that a few hundred thousand people will descend on his neighborhood at the end of the month. Cudworth lives in Sahalee, home to the 2010 U.S. Senior Open.
For people who live in Sahalee, a gated community used to its privacy, it means that there will countless strangers roaming the golf course.
In spite of that, many residents of the Sahalee neighborhood are happy to host the golf tournament in their own backyard this year – literally. Many homes in Sahalee back to the course.
“It’s exciting to have such a high profile event so close to home,” said Cudworth, 5-year Sahalee resident.
From July 26-August 1, the golf course will host some of the biggest stars in the golf world. Along with them will come an estimated 100,000 spectators.
Cudworth enjoys watching golf and in addition to the tournament itself, he is looking forward to watching a clinic that Fred Couples will give.
Some who have lived in the neighborhood longer remember the last time a big show was in town.
Wendy Boglioli has lived in Sahalee for 19 years and remembers the PGA Championship in 1998.
“The flavor is amazing,” Boglioli said. “Sahalee was captured as an essence of a community and every resident was excited.”
Boglioli had family in town in 1998. She recalls how her family followed the helicopters around because they were following Tiger Woods.
While the tournament is going on, there are a few inconveniences for residents. Traffic is pretty heavy, there is no street parking allowed, even for residents, and access to the gated community becomes more difficult for those who live there.
While tournament-goers will not likely get a chance to spend time checking out the houses, or the city for that matter, the tournament will be broadcast on television showcasing sweeping views and the clear skies of mid-summer in Western Washington. The neighborhood, and Sammamish in general, are both likely to see in increase in notoriety.
“The give and take is a plus and a minus,” said Tom Wilkins who has lived in Sahalee since 1986. He believes that the temporary inconvenience is worth it in the end.
“I hope people embrace having such a large event in the area,” Wilkins said. “It’s a boost to the local economy in a time when we could all use it.”
At least some residents of Sahalee view the tournament as more of an opportunity rather than something to dread.
In 1998, Wilkins took the opportunity to entertain hundreds of his best business accounts. Other people invite family and friends to stay at their homes so they can attend the event. Some who live on the course invite neighbors over to watch from their house.
“The tournament brings in wonderful people, and highlights Sahalee, what more could you ask for,” Boglioli said.

By Tara Sackman
Kelly Cudworth doesn’t mind that a few hundred thousand people will descend on his neighborhood at the end of the month. Cudworth lives in Sahalee, home to the 2010 U.S. Senior Open.For people who live in Sahalee, a gated community used to its privacy, it means that there will countless strangers roaming the golf course.In spite of that, many residents of the Sahalee neighborhood are happy to host the golf tournament in their own backyard this year – literally. Many homes in Sahalee back to the course.“It’s exciting to have such a high profile event so close to home,” said Cudworth, 5-year Sahalee resident. From July 26-August 1, the golf course will host some of the biggest stars in the golf world. Along with them will come an estimated 100,000 spectators.Cudworth enjoys watching golf and in addition to the tournament itself, he is looking forward to watching a clinic that Fred Couples will give. Some who have lived in the neighborhood longer remember the last time a big show was in town.Wendy Boglioli has lived in Sahalee for 19 years and remembers the PGA Championship in 1998.“The flavor is amazing,” Boglioli said. “Sahalee was captured as an essence of a community and every resident was excited.” Boglioli had family in town in 1998. She recalls how her family followed the helicopters around because they were following Tiger Woods. While the tournament is going on, there are a few inconveniences for residents. Traffic is pretty heavy, there is no street parking allowed, even for residents, and access to the gated community becomes more difficult for those who live there.While tournament-goers will not likely get a chance to spend time checking out the houses, or the city for that matter, the tournament will be broadcast on television showcasing sweeping views and the clear skies of mid-summer in Western Washington. The neighborhood, and Sammamish in general, are both likely to see in increase in notoriety.“The give and take is a plus and a minus,” said Tom Wilkins who has lived in Sahalee since 1986. He believes that the temporary inconvenience is worth it in the end. “I hope people embrace having such a large event in the area,” Wilkins said. “It’s a boost to the local economy in a time when we could all use it.”At least some residents of Sahalee view the tournament as more of an opportunity rather than something to dread. In 1998, Wilkins took the opportunity to entertain hundreds of his best business accounts. Other people invite family and friends to stay at their homes so they can attend the event. Some who live on the course invite neighbors over to watch from their house.“The tournament brings in wonderful people, and highlights Sahalee, what more could you ask for,” Boglioli said.

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Written by Tara Sackman · Filed Under Local News 

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