When the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open arrived at Lancaster Country Club in July, the county’s tourism officials talked about economic impact in millions of dollars. Some local merchants did not have to wait for the final tally. Players were already shopping.
The championship marked the first time the United States Golf Association brought the Women’s Open to Lancaster County. Central Penn Business Journal reported projections that the event would generate $25 million to $30 million in economic impact for the region, with hotels, restaurants and retailers expected to share in the spending.
A pop-up shop in the players’ tent
One of the most visible local tie-ins came from Brent L. Miller Jewelers, a family-owned Lancaster jewelry store. Working with tournament organizers, including the chair of player hospitality and the championship’s general chairman, the jeweler set up a pop-up shop inside the players’ tent.
Each competitor received a $200 gift card to the store as part of her welcome package, redeemable at the on-site shop. The pop-up carried pieces from designer lines such as Gucci fine jewelry, Mikimoto pearls and Montblanc writing instruments, and included an engraving station so golfers could personalize their selections.
“We thought it would be a perfect and unique way for golfers from the U.S. and around the world to remember the tournament as well as Lancaster County,” co-owner Ryan Miller said at the time.
The engraving station proved popular. According to the store, players had bracelets, charms and pens engraved, some as gifts for their fathers.
A leader goes shopping
Australian Hall of Famer Karrie Webb, who shared the lead after a first-round 4-under par, celebrated by choosing a pair of hoop earrings at the jeweler’s shop. The store shared a photo of Webb with co-owner Jo Miller, a small moment that gave local residents a personal connection to one of the game’s biggest names.
Beyond the course
Players and caddies were spotted around the county during tournament week. One competitor stopped at the Best Buy in Lancaster to pick up a bright green phone case. Others visited restaurants, coffee shops and attractions between practice rounds and tee times.
Those everyday purchases illustrate how a major championship spreads its spending. Beyond tickets and concessions, there are hotel nights, rental cars, meals, groceries, gifts and services for hundreds of players, family members, caddies, officials, media members and tens of thousands of spectators.
Lititz and the surrounding towns
For businesses in Lititz, just north of the city of Lancaster, the championship meant visitors looking for things to do once play ended for the day. Downtown Lititz, with its shops, restaurants and parks, was a natural stop. Local tourism groups promoted the area’s small towns, farmland and attractions as part of the visitor experience.
Hotels throughout the county reported strong bookings during championship week, and short-term rentals were also in demand.
The result
In Sunday’s final round, In Gee Chun of South Korea won the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open in her first appearance in the championship, finishing at 8-under par. Her victory capped a week that put Lancaster County in front of a national television audience and golf fans around the world.
Lessons for future events
Local business leaders said the Women’s Open showed what large sporting events can do when hosts plan for them. Partnerships like the jeweler’s pop-up gave players a memorable local experience and gave a hometown business international visibility.
The championship’s success helped Lancaster Country Club land a return engagement: the USGA brought the U.S. Women’s Open back to the club in 2024. For merchants, the 2015 lesson was clear. When the world comes to town, it pays to be ready to welcome it.