Mike Komaniak is one heck of a Tetris player. But his version of the game is a bit more immersive than the actual puzzle-building video game.
Every five years since 2006, Komaniak and his wife, Suzanne, open their backyard to men’s and women’s U.S. Open spectators trying to find a parking spot near Oakmont Country Club.
During the 2016 men’s U.S. Open, the couple made around $7,000 selling spots. This year’s 125th men’s tournament is no different, as the couple were among the Oakmont residents hoping to cash in on the $200 million economic boon to the region that the United States Golf Association projected.
The Komaniaks sold spots for $50 to fans attending practice rounds at the beginning of the week and raised the price to $80 on Thursday, the first day of the championship competition rounds.
They had eight cars in the backyard of their 11th Street home Thursday morning, with room for more.
Komaniak said when people leave their keys with him, he’s able to park the vehicles like a puzzle, making space for more cars, more sale opportunities and more stories from travelers.
They’re hoping to beat their 2016 profits and contribute it to their retirement funds.
“It’s fun meeting people,” Mike Komaniak said. “They’re from all over, and they’ll tell you stories.”
Homeowners around the course opened their driveways and lawns to attendees willing to pay the price. Residents along Hulton Road charged up to $100 per parking spot.
The Komaniaks had people from as far as Nova Scotia and other parts of Canada park in their yard. After three U.S. Opens selling the spots, the couple have come to love the fellowship it provides.
“We’ll give them a free bottle of water just as a goodwill thing. If somebody needs to use my bathroom before they get on the road, of course I’ll let them,” Suzanne said. “It’s kind of a goodwill thing, too.”
Not only are residents surrounded by out-of-towners, they’re surrounded by the golfers competing in the tournament.
Ruby Furer, 17, of Freeport, and Annie Atwood, 18, of Kittanning, were excited to see golfer Justin Thomas as they held signs advertising parking for sale along Hulton Road. Almost directly across the street from the Gate 5 entrance of the country club, Atwood’s cousins enlisted the girls to help sell out the yard space for an hourly wage.
“Being outside and being able to hang out here is good enough,” Atwood said. “It’s a great little summer gig.”
The girls began selling the spots for $60 at the beginning of the week and bumped the price up to $100 once competition started.
Despite prices near the course reaching triple digits, the parking cost was still less than Uber prices Thursday afternoon. Depending on wait times, prices for an Uber ride from 10 miles away from the course ranged between $107 to $120. Ride share services were directed to a designated drop-off spot about a half-mile from the course at Tenth Street Elementary School.
Much like the Komaniaks, Furer and Atwood enjoyed being able to spend the day together and were easily able to find the fun in the work.
“We both love cars, so we’ve really been loving getting to see them — a lot of nice cars,” Furer said. “We’ve made friends with the police officers who’ve been sitting here directing traffic. We’re really just getting paid to be together, and it’s been really fun, honestly.”
Neighbors Tony Wimer and Jarret Lewis were able to watch the U.S. Open on TV from the comfort of two lawn chairs in Lewis’ driveway along 13th Street. Selling spots the entire week, they slowly increased the price from $40 on Monday to $60 Wednesday and to $80 on Thursday. This is the first year they’ve lived next to each other and the first year either of them has sold parking for the U.S. Open.
“Honestly, whatever we make is an extra benefit,” Lewis said. “I’ve got the week off work and we’re really good friends and neighbors. So it’s just kind of a good opportunity to hang out and let the kids play together.”
Sarah Houston has sold parking in the yard of her 13th Street home during every men’s and women’s U.S. Open spanning the past 30 years. She was selling the spots for $50 each. She doesn’t expect to make nearly as much money as she has in previous years, though.
“The way (the borough) is doing traffic and allowing some parking traffic, we’re not getting a lot of people passing us,” Houston said.
Featured Local Businesses
Houston remained undeterred and plans to continue her tradition of selling parking.
“It’s always nice to be outside and to be able to see people you know or don’t know,” she said. “Everyone is always chatty and likes to say ‘hi.’ It’s just a different experience.”