PINEHURST, N.C. — The countdown to the

2005 U.S. Open Golf Championship

is on.

The event tees off in June, but Pinehurst is already getting ready.

As you enter Moore County, a sign reminds visitors that Pinehurst is the home of the next U.S. Open.

"To think that they selected us -- that's pretty cool stuff," Pienhurst resident Marty McKenzie said.

Many residents are already offering their homes for rent.

"We have things from one-bedroom condos for $3,000 for the week up to $50,000 plus," property manager Peggy Sarvis said.

Most of the action is taking place at Pinehurst No. 2.

In a few months, tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the greens.

Contractors are adding to the site as organizers add the numbers.

So far, organizers have sold most of the corporate tents -- some as expensive as $175,000. They are buying a list of items, such as 320 white Carolina rocking chairs, 590 trees and 36,000 feet of landscaping.

Organizers expect the U.S. Open, which runs June 16 to 19, to bring more than $135 million to the state.