Hole in One

More than 140 of the world's best female golfers will converge on the Rio Grande Valley this week, where they will compete in the first annual Historic Brownsville Open.

Business owners and city officials are hoping that the tournament will bring a much-needed boost to the local economy.

"If we can bring in anything over $300,000, that would really be a benefit, especially in our first year," said Mariano "Bean" Ayala, director of the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Businesses from Rancho Viejo to Brownsville are expecting more hotel guests and restaurant patrons once the tournament's activities begin on Tuesday. The Duramed Futures tournament, part of an LPGA developmental tour, begins on Friday.

The tournament moved to the Brownsville area this year after several years in McAllen, where it was known as the Jalapeno Classic.

"It's a chance to get the word out about our facilities," said Tim Trapp, general manager of the Rancho Viejo Resort and Country Club, where the tournament will be played. "We offer something people normally can't find in this area."

The Rancho Viejo Resort and Country Club received about $28,000 to rent its golf course for the tournament, Trapp said. Nearly all of that money went into preparing facilities for the professional tournament. Its Ranchero Restaurant could also benefit once the event begins, he added.

Ayala said that most of the tournament's beneficiaries will be in Brownsville, where players and fans will spend much of their time. Cobbleheads will host a meet and greet dinner on Tuesday night.

"This brings attention to the region, and it brings visitors to different restaurants in the area. That's why we wanted to be a part of it," said Cobbleheads owner Joe Kenney. Other Brownsville restaurants, including Rudy's and Carino's, will also provide food for the event.

"This positive economic impact is exciting because it's been tough recently," Ayala said. "The one that's going to win here is Brownsville."