The U.S. Open is coming and golfers are coming with it.

Area courses are preparing for fairway travelers from the far reaches of the country who are finding their way to the beauty of Western Pennsylvania.

"We have a lot to offer here in Western Pennsylvania," said Travis Lindsay of Birdsfoot Golf Club. "I think the U.S. Open is a great opportunity to showcase the high caliber golf that we have."

Since it opened in 2002, Birdsfoot has been gaining recognition, and those at the club have been looking forward to the USGA's premier event since they started receiving calls for tee times from golfers across the country last year.

"They started calling for that week last summer," said Michelle Lindsay, events coordinator. "We still have times available, but they are going quickly for that week. Golfers are coming from all over.

"We've scheduled times for people from Idaho to Texas and St. Louis to California." she added.

The maintenance crew has been hard at work as well, preparing the greens to immaculate conditions. "When the (US Open) arrives, I really want this place to sparkle," said Tom Bettle, Birdsfoot's greens superintendent.

Golfers have been taking notice.

"We've noticed an increased inflow of players this year. There are a lot of new faces mixed in with our regular golfers," said Joan Salander, who is part of the golf shop crew. "Everyone really seems to really be enjoying the course."

With all the enthusiasm for golf the big event has attracted, Birdsfoot is happy to have the opportunity to be part of it.

"We are fortunate to be so close to Oakmont. Its not everywhere that you can participate in all of the excitement," said Al Lindsay, one of Birdsfoot's owners. "We are making all of the preparations to make sure that when golfers come into town they really enjoy themselves. And that means great golf all year for our local players.

"Our goal from day one has always been provide a unique, extremely high quality golf experience everyday of the season," he added. "The Open week is just a chance for us to show the country how we do it here at Birdsfoot and in Western Pennsylvania. We're looking forward to it."

You can set up a tee time at Birdsfoot by calling 877-295-3656 or visiting www.birdsfoot.com.