STEVENS POINT, Wis. — Some of the world’s best golfers in the world are it up at the U.S. Senior Open June 29 through July 2, bringing crowds of fans to SentryWorld in Stevens Point.

Louisiana native Gary Allemand plays golf up to five days a week. He said it’s his love of golf that brought him to the senior open Thursday. He hoped to get a glimpse of some of his favorite players. 

“I was here to see David Toms. He’s from LSU [Louisiana State University] and Mr. Mike Hammet,” Allemand said. “He just signed my shirt for me. He’s from LSU.”

SentryWorld general manager Mike James hopes that this unique fan interaction will boost attendance.

“We are expecting around 50,000-55,000 people this week coming from all around the Stevens Point area, the state and even from around the country,” said James.

He also said fans can experience all things Wisconsin, like local brewers and growers, which will help the Stevens Point economy.

“This is one of the great things of hosting a major golf championship the economic impact to this area is estimated around $20 million,” James said. “Our spectators are going to see the best players in the world battling it out on a very worthy golf course.”

Allemand trekked to the championship Thursday just to stand near some of his favorite golfers. 

“Hal Sutton, he’s from Louisiana,” he said. “I was pretty much waiting on him to practice so I could get an autograph and then just walk with him.”

Great players are showcasing a world–renowned course, while hoping to put the national spotlight on Stevens Point and the state of Wisconsin.