Greg Kovas has no problem picking up after Tiger Woods. A busboy at Warwick Hills Country Club, Kovas works around professional golfers throughout the week of the Buick Open.
‘The pros tip really well,? said Kovas, 21, of Goodrich. ‘Last year, Tiger Woods gave me 20 bucks?
Kovas is one of many area residents who will be profiting from the upcoming Buick Open, June 28 to July 1, at Warwick Hills Country Club in Grand Blanc. His sister, Amy Kovas, 19, will wait tables at Warwick Hills Country Club, serving fans of the tournament, while fellow Goodrich resident, Alicia Smith, will direct cars toward parking spaces in the lot of St. Christopher Episcopal Church just across the street from the action.
Amy, who works in the general public room of the country club, anticipates a full restaurant throughout the week.
‘It gets really busy during the Open, but the tips are awesome,? said Amy Kovas. ‘I’m not picky, though. If there’s money on my table, I’m happy.?
While the Kovas? keep busy at the country club, Alicia Smith, 18, will be across the street with a walkie talkie and a packed parking lot.
Smith is one of many members of St. Christopher Episcopal Church that volunteers her time during the Buick Open as one of the parking lot attendants. She collects money for her church by directing cars toward empty parking spaces.
The church lot can hold up to 500 cars and charges $5 Monday through Wednesday, $10 Thursday and Friday, and $15 during the weekend.
‘People don’t complain about our prices,? said Smith. ‘They love our location and the fact that we don’t double-park cars. We have a lot of regulars.?
St. Christopher’s expects to make more than $25,000 during the week of the Open. The money will go toward the church’s debt reduction and building funds.
Smith’s youth group also makes a profit from the tournament. She, along with her fellow youth group members, set up a table in front of the course where they sell bottled water.
‘We sell it cheaper than they do inside, and we make about $1,600 doing it,? said Smith.
With thousands of people flooding the Grand Blanc area next week, locals will have a number of opportunities to profit from the crowds. Whether it be directing dishes or traffic, Smith and the Kovases are anticipating a lucrative week ahead of them.