August 29, 2010

I am pleased to offer our thanks and appreciation to a number of people for conducting a successful championship at Chambers Bay.

First, I thank Jim Hyler and the hard-working staff of the USGA.

Next, I thank Pierce County staff, including all of those involved from Public Works and Utilities, the Sheriff's Department, the Executive's Office and the County Council.

I thank KemperSports, which operates Chambers Bay for the county. David Wienecke and his grounds crew did an outstanding job of setting up championship conditions. And Kemper's hospitality staff provided gold-standard service.

I thank Governor Chris Gregoire and Mike Gregoire. Mike is an honorary co-chairman of the championship because he is such an excellent ambassador for state tourism. I thank Mike and the Governor for strong support.

We can't leave here without thanking all of the volunteers, fans and community supporters.

I congratulate all of the competitors, and especially our champion and runner-up. It's a privilege to conduct the U.S. Amateur in Pierce County.

This is the first national championship at Chambers Bay. We look forward to the next one ? the 2015 U.S. Open.