by Heidi Trilling

Half Moon Bay is preparing to roll out the red carpet for the Samsung World Championship, and greet the estimated 7,500 visitors to the October 1-5 golf tournament. Torrey Gane, tournament director of IMG (the corporation producing the tournament), already feels the welcome: “This is a major sporting event coming to a small city, and we’re thrilled with the reception, and very impressed with how we’ve been treated! We’re happy to be here.”

Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how Half Moon Bay is readying for the celebration:

The Chamber of Commerce is preparing a list of events that will be going on in town during the tournament. Events will be posted on www.hmbchamber.com as they are finalized; plentiful hardcopies will be available at the chamber office at 235 Main St. and at the chamber’s booth at the tournament. “I know all of the Coastside businesses are excited to welcome the visitors,” says Charise McHugh, chamber president and chief executive. “Everyone will have somewhere exciting to go: the harbor, El Granada, Main Street — everywhere!”

City Council member Marina Fraser is the enthusiastic liaison coordinating city, chamber, Downtown Business Association, and Half Moon Bay Golf Links involvements for IMG — addressing vital logistics like permits, parking, and media access. “We’re all so honored to have this prestigious tournament come to town! The golf course is breathtaking, and we have one of the most beautiful bluff-top coastlines ever! We want to give the players, guests and visitors a great experience here!”

The Downtown Business Association is currently discussing details of décor and festivities, and planning various measures to accommodate tournament visitors; these include   extending shop hours and stocking various visitor-related products. DBA President Allan Alifano believes the tournament is “a great opportunity to showcase our community to millions of viewers … and invite visitors to really have fun discovering all the great offerings in Half Moon Bay.”

The police and fire departments are working with IMG security to ensure public safety. A police command post and personnel will be at the tournament, along with fire officials, paramedics and an ambulance. “There’s been tremendous cooperation amongst everyone,” comments Police Chief Don O’Keefe. “We’re really excited about having the top 20 women golfers, and we want to make sure it’s a safe event for everybody.” Fire Chief Paul Cole agrees: “Should we be needed, we’re there — easily accessible, available to help out quickly. We want the event to be a great success!”

Mayor Bonnie McClung adds this about Half Moon Bay’s small-town appeal: “Our Main Street is darling. It’s like a time warp, not being like a mall in any way, shape, or form. Each shop is unique, and usually manned by its owner, and that just doesn’t happen in lots of places anymore. It’s a very special place. … I’m certainly looking forward to being part of the welcoming committee for the Samsung tournament!”