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U.S. Open excitement builds at Erin Hills for fans and residents

Posted at 8:03 PM, Jun 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-08 21:03:17-04

The U.S. Open is just one week away from taking over Erin Hills Golf Course, and on Thursday, the tournament's fan area is now open to the public.

Erin, Wisconsin has about 4,500 residents; several thousand more than that were at the course just to take their first look at the merchandise.

Fans geared up, snapped a few pictures and mapped out the must-see holes on the course.

"I think just seeing some of the golfers, I do follow them," said Alice Resch.

Alice Resch lives just 15 miles away in Germantown. Resch said this event is all the buzz no matter where she goes.

"I think nobody has any idea how much it will bring into the area," she said.

Visit Milwaukee predicts fans will spend $130 million in Southeastern Wisconsin over the course of the tournament. Some who live close to the course are hoping to cash in.

"We have about 100 parking spots for the spectators for next week," said Jenny Erickson.

Erickson expects her front and back yard to be full of vehicles from Monday to Sunday.

"All the neighbors will be working together to coordinate the flow of traffic," she said.

Erickson lives a field away from the course on Terry Road. She and her neighbors are charging $40 for a spot.

"The prices might go up during the weekend," she said.

From lawns to houses, Leslee Unger and her family is ready to move out for a week.

"Just kind of tidying up, cleaning rooms vacuuming," she said.

One of the best golfers on the planet will be staying at their house about 2.5 miles away from Erin Hills. Unger says she was the dealmaker.

"My dad is not very techy," she said.

Unger said the rental is worth several thousand. The college student gets a 10 percent cut.

"That's a good deal so I just started doing it," Unger said.

The anonymous golfer who's staying at the Ungers is in for quite the treat. It has four bedrooms and an indoor pool.

"We hope to get a picture, a signature or something with him because this is a one-time thing," she said.