Shinnecock Indian Nation Negotiates $800,000 From U.S. Open Deals, Up From About $100,000
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 17
Shinnecock Indian Nation Negotiates $800,000 From U.S. Open Deals, Up From About $100,000
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 17
Summary
$800,000 or more is set to flow to the Shinnecock Indian Nation from U.S. Open week agreements, a sharp increase from roughly $100,000 the tribe received at past tournaments.
Shinnecock leaders pushed for a bigger share because the championship generates millions at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, which sits less than a mile from the reservation and uses the tribe’s name and imagery.
The new deal lands as the U.S. Open returns Thursday through Sunday, bringing wealthy spectators, luxury suites and merchandise sales to one of the country’s most exclusive golf clubs.
The negotiations spotlight a long-running economic divide dating to the club’s 1891 founding: the 1.3-square-mile reservation remains poor even as the nearby course hosts one of golf’s richest events.