said her organization will be proactive in trying to attract golf fans to the village’s downtown restaurants and shops by sharing an information booth with Gurnee and Visit Lake County at the Merit Club.

She said it’ll be the first time MainStreet Libertyville will promote at a professional golf tourney in Lake County.

“We certainly hope that some of the attendees and the golfers themselves will visit our downtown,” Hume said.

Riedy said much was accomplished in a short time to prepare for the tournament, including creation of a separate section on the tourism bureau’s website with blocks of slightly discounted hotel rooms for golf travelers.

Visit Lake County typically would have much more than eight months to help promote such a prestigious golf tournament, she said.

“Certainly, the pace has been accelerated,” Riedy said. “That could present some challenges, but (the LPGA) staff is so professional. They’ve been outstanding to work with. They’re extremely organized, available and responsive.”

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said the golf travelers will find her town and others in Lake County have much to offer. Gurnee draws about 26 million visitors annually.

“I think the organizers are recognizing you’ve got to have the whole package to put on a successful event,” Kovarik said. “Yes, they’re going to come for the golf, but they need quality hotels, they need quality restaurants, quality shopping — a few more things to do than just golf. So, that positions Lake County perfectly.”