Before the first ball is hit from the tee in the 2015 Greenbrier Classic, organizers are thinking about the 2016 tournament.
A tremendous amount of planning and lots of extras are required for presenting a world class event.
"We have five permanent staff members working on this year round," said Jim Sweetwood, tournament coordinator.
The numbers are staggering for pulling together this year's Greenbrier Classic. For example, the tournament requires 12 miles of roping to cordon off the course from where the patrons walk.
There will also be 3,000 grandstand seats, 300 portable restrooms, 14,556 range balls, and 100 vendors.
Concessions will include 20,000 hamburgers, 10,000 cookies, 700 cases of beer, and 500 cases of soda. Cable and internet connections total 250.
Sweetwood also noted that an estimated 28,643 volunteer hours will go into the event.
Nine weeks before the tournament starts, vendors appear on the grounds to begin constructing an environment conducive to golfers as well as spectators.
Outside construction companies put things in place from grandstands and signs to porta potties. An outside concession company will offer goodies such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and various snacks. The Greenbrier will also set up concession tents in Patrons Park with specialties from the main dining room, Draper's, The Forum, and Prime 44. While chefs are still considering the details, offerings will range from specialty pizzas and sandwiches to luscious milkshakes. Of course, the green tomato sandwich, a Greenbrier signature item, will be available.
"Restaurants decide what to sell from their every day menus," Sweetwood said. "Not everything translates into a concession tent."
Meanwhile, half a dozen companies will supply range balls for practicing to fit the individual preferences. Brands include Nike, Titleist, Srixon, Bridgestone, Callaway and Top Flite.
For those who wish to purchase souvenirs, there will be two merchandise tents, including one off the 17th green and another by Patrons Park.
"We will have clothing, hats, knickknacks, golf towels, golf balls, framed photographs," said Sweetwood, naming a few of an array of choices. "Most everything has the tournament logo."
When the tournament is over, organizers will launch into preparations for the next one.
"We're always thinking about next year," Sweetwood said. "It takes six weeks to clean up and then we dive right into next year."
Contact writer Charlotte Ferrell Smith at charlotte@dailymailwv.com or 304-348-1246.