As he prepared for this week's U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, professional golfer Ryan Moore spent a day visiting Chambers Bay to help promote the upcoming U.S. Amateur Championship.

That was one highlight during a week that saw momentum build toward the world's top championship for amateurs, to be held Aug. 23-29 at Chambers Bay and The Home Course.

Moore and his fellow U.S. Amateur co-chairman, Mike "First Gentleman" Gregoire, videotaped public service announcements and played a round of golf with several of the championship's supporters. Moore shot a 2-under 70, including an eagle on No. 12.

"It's probably the biggest event that's had the most impact on my career. The U.S. Amateur is THE amateur event," Moore said. "Chambers Bay is so different for us in this area, where we grew up with tight, tree-lined courses. To have a true links-style course, you have a lot of room to work it - a lot of mounding and long grass you can get in instead of hitting trees and dropping down. It's a very different experience, but I love it. It's a great place for such a significant event."

Here are other recent developments:

Open house: An estimated 200 people attended an open house to learn more about championship preparations, including parking and transportation plans. Details about those plans will continue to be distributed throughout the community in the coming weeks.

Triple offer: The United States Golf Association began advertising its Ultimate USGA Package that provides access to three of the premiere championships in golf: a one-week pass to the U.S. Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club from July 26-Aug. 1, a one-week pass to the U.S. Amateur, and priority access to buy tickets to the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay before tickets go on sale to the general public.

Father's Day special:Tickets that were sold as part of a Father's Day promotion began going out in the mail last week. That promotion ends this week.

Building awareness: Pierce County and its partners began distributing pocket schedules and posters throughout the community to help build awareness about the championship.

Hospitality partners: Nearly 90 people attended a reception at the Hotel Murano for the U.S. Amateur's hospitality partners, who are helping to cover the cost of the championship.

"USGA leaders keep telling me how impressed they are with the community support we're seeing for the U.S. Amateur," said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, who oversees management of the county-owned golf course. "I am so proud of the 60 local businesses and organizations that have signed on so far to make this the best U.S. Amateur in the championship's 110-year history."

Brian Simpson, the championship's director of hospitality sales, said many of the championship's partners are inquiring about ways they can help, including supporting charitable causes, providing free tickets to law enforcement and military personnel and distributing posters and pocket schedules throughout the community.

"Local companies are doing this for the right reasons," Simpson said. "There is still a little bit of time for others to sign on."

The U.S. Amateur is the nation's oldest golf championship. The 2010 championship marks its first visit to a publicly-owned golf course. For more information, visit www.2010usamateur.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Hunter George, Pierce County Communications director
253-798-6606
hgeorge@co.pierce.wa.us

Brian Simpson, U.S. Amateur hospitality sales director
253-579-7758
bsimpson@kempersports.com