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Organizers of the U.S. Open at Olympia Fields Country Club face unexpected hurdles in securing police protection for the June tournament that will bring the world's best golfers to the south suburbs. At issue is who is going to pay for the cost of police protection during the tournament, which starts June 12 and is expected to draw 50,000 visitors a day. Neither Olympia Fields nor Cook County officials believe local taxpayers should pick up the tab, estimated at $730,000. But the U.S. Golf Association has balked at paying the Cook County portion of the tab, noting that the county will benefit from an influx of money-spending visitors. The problems began several months ago when event organizers realized the country club was in unincorporated Cook County, not Olympia Fields. Sheriff's department spokeswoman Sally Daly said the sheriff needs approval from the Cook County Board to staff the event with sheriff's police officers, which would cost the department about $480,000. Olympia Fields Mayor Linzey Jones has already agreed to provide some security in exchange for a $250,000 fee. The county board agreed Tuesday to waive about $90,000 in fees associated with the tournament for tents and other items. But so far, board members have not agreed to pay for extra security. Commissioner Lawrence Suffredin (D-Evanston) said the solution likely will include a package of negotiated agreements. "The main issue is that we need to look at this event in its totality," he said. "Just agreeing to reduce the payment for officers without making it part of a broader package is something I would be against. Clearly, we're bringing a national group to the south suburban area. We need to show the positives of Cook County." A USGA spokesman did not return a call seeking comment. Subtle references to Olympia Fields Country Club's former membership policies have arisen during negotiations, sources said. The club didn't admit blacks until 1992, which apparently does not sit well with officials in Cook County. Cook County Board President John Stroger is an African-American who values diversity. The country club was thrust into the public eye in the early 1990s when a resident who lived alongside the golf course, bank executive Jacoby Dickens, complained publicly that he couldn't join. Since 1992, Olympia Fields Country Club and a host of private clubs around the country have been admitting black members. Olympia Fields Country Club has become one of the most diverse nationally acclaimed clubs in the country, and the USGA wouldn't hold its tournament there otherwise, club spokesman Barry Cronin said. "While (race and membership) was an issue at one point, it is no longer an issue by any means. The club has had full female membership since the 1930s," he said. Southtown politics writer Kristen McQueary may be reached at kmcqueary@dailysouthtown.com or (708) 633-5972.