The next women’s major begins tomorrow and so here’s everything you need to know about the 74th US Women’s Open, including the players Women & Golf believe could lift the trophy.
The next women’s major begins tomorrow and so here’s everything you need to know about the 74th US Women’s Open, including the players Women & Golf believe could lift the trophy and a share of the $5.5 million prize fund.
The Venue
The 74th US Women’s Open will take place at the Country Club of Charleston, South Carolina, from 30 May-2 June. This tournament will be the second USGA championship held at the club, which previously hosted the 2013 US Women’s Amateur Championship. It’s known for its low country terrain and challenging greens.
The History
Established 73 years ago in 1946, the US Women's Open is the only event to have been recognised as a major by the LPGA since the group's founding in 1950. In 2007, international players outnumbered Americans for the first time.
In Pursuit of a Hat-trick
In 2008 South Korean Inbee Park became the event’s youngest winner ever. She claimed the title again in 2013 and when she tees up on Thursday she’ll be chasing history, hoping to join Annika Sorenstam, Hollis Stacy, Susie Berning and Babe Zaharias, who have all won the US Open three times.
Let the Drama Unfold
If this year’s event is anything like the 2018 instalment, then we are in for a real treat. World No 4 Ariya Jutanugarn appeared to have her second major sewn up at Shoal Creek in Alabama, but in a twist of events she eventually clinched victory after a four-hole play-off against Hyo-Joo Kim.
Who to put Your Money on?
Fresh off a career-best season in 2018, World No 2 Minjee Lee will have her sights firmly set on the US Women’s Open title. The Australian amassed 12 top 10s in 2018 and her fourth career victory, but she’s yet to claim a major.
Defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister, Moriya, are also ones to watch. Ariya has proved time and time again that her game is built for the biggest stage in the game, but sister Moriya isn’t too far behind. She claimed her first LPGA title in April 2018 and with a tied sixth place finish at the first 2019 women’s major, the ANA Inspiration, this might have sparked a confidence to take her game to the next level. There’s another sister act to watch, Jessica and Nelly Korda, who have already amassed eight top 10 LPGA finishes this year between them, with Nelly claiming six of those.
From the European contingent, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda is performing consistently with four LPGA top 10 finishes to date this year, including a share of fourth place at the ANA Inspiration, and sixth at last week’s Pure Silk Championship.
Off the back of her maiden LPGA Pure Silk victory last weekend, Bronte Law will be full of confidence, but does she have what it takes to become the first British US Open winner since Alison Nicholas in 1997?
Whatever happens this weekend, we’re definitely in for a treat …
Images: Getty Images
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