PINEHURST, N.C. (WLOS) — Gov. Roy Cooper proclaimed Pinehurst “The Home of American Golf” on Thursday, June 13.

And while the golf course is expected to get most of the shine over the weekend, Cooper said the 124th United States Open is expected to create an economic impact of around $500 million.

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Golf is an enormous industry for North Carolina with more than 500 courses, employing more than 50,000 people and delivering a monetary impact measuring in the billions.

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Recently, the USGA relocated its Hall of Fame to Pinehurst, and Cooper said he thinks that will have a positive effect on area small business.

During a media press conference Thursday morning, Cooper told a personal anecdote about his experience at Pinehurst.

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“I won a decade of goodwill with my father-in-law getting him on Pinehurst No. 2 and playing a round with him and a picture at the Payne Stewart statue,” the Governor said. “My round was not that great, but he had a wonderful day.”