After months of meticulous planning, The Greenbrier Classic tees off this week in the rolling hills of White Sulphur Springs.
It's the crowning achievement of a process that began in May of 2009 when Greenbrier resort owner and coal magnate Jim Justice purchased the ailing retreat for $20.1 million.
Ever since, Justice has worked diligently to revive the Greenbrier's five-star reputation of elegance and hospitality.
In the process, he's sparked interest in the area and helped ensure numerous good-paying jobs to the Lewisburg region.
In a little more than a year, Justice has transformed the Greenbrier into a 21st Century masterpiece, adding a 102,000-square-foot subterranean casino and securing a PGA Tour stop through 2015.
Already, The Greenbrier has attracted guests like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck for the launch.
The Classic, with a purse of $6 million, is expected to draw 50,000 golf enthusiasts each day to the region and will be televised nationally on the Golf Channel Thursday and Friday and CBS Saturday and Sunday.
Additionally, a concert
featured Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and West Virginia's Brad Paisley.
It's a great chance to showcase the best of West Virginia to the rest of the country, hopefully equating to increased tourism revenues throughout the state.
The efforts of Justice to revitalize the state's crown jewel have been a boon to the region and should be recognized and appreciated.
As Lewisburg mayor John Manchester told West Virginia Public Broadcasting, "(The Greenbrier) is the largest employer in (Greenbrier County), and it has spin-off effects that just roll right through the economy.
"When The Greenbrier is doing well, the local economy is doing well."
An economic impact study will be conducted following the gold tournament.
The revitalization of The Greenbrier is a lesson the rest of the state would do well to recognize.
Protecting West Virginia's natural beauty while creating new opportunities for tourism will be the key to diversifying the state's economy and ultimately improving the quality of life for all West Virginians.