This week sees the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links in California host the US Women’s Open for the first ever time.
It’s one of the biggest storylines ahead of the 78th US Women’s Open – but there are plenty of others.
In fact, for many, this is the most anticipated US Women’s Open since the men and women played in back-to-back weeks at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014.
The USGA usually sets the highest purse for its Majors, and this year is no different, with the women set to play for its biggest ever pot.
Last year, that sum was £10m, but it’s a figure that is expected to rise, with confirmation due in the coming days.
A First For Pebble
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Pebble Beach may have hosted the men’s US Open on six occasions, but this will be the first time that the famous west coast venue has hosted the women’s Major.
“I think this is a dream-changer,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan of the tournament coming to Pebble Beach for the first time.
“I think this really matters to the people playing, but the real impact of this is the girls that are thinking about playing or aren’t really sure what they think about golf.”
Watching the world’s best golfers compete at Pebble never loses its appeal, but this week it’s sure to be extra special.
Michelle Wie West Bids Farewell
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It doesn’t seem like five minutes ago that a teenage Wie West burst onto the scene.
The 2014 US Open champion is calling it a day after this year’s tournament, and it’s sure to be an emotional farewell.
In May, the 33-year-old hosted the Mizuho Americas Open for the first time, and she won’t be walking away from the game entirely.
With other dreams to chase, however, it will be the last time most of us see the crowd favourite on a course.
Many will be hoping that she changes her mind at some point down the line.
Remember Se Ri Pak, 1998?
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Yes, it really has been 25 years, a quarter of a century since that epic July afternoon at Blackwolf Run in Wisconsin.
That 20-hole playoff between Se Ri Pak and Jenny Chuasiriporn must surely rank as one of the most impactful tournaments in the history of the game.
How many young golfers, particularly girls and women, the Korean winner inspired that week is anyone’s guess – it was surely many thousands.
One of those was a certain 10-year-old Inbee Park, who decided that week she wanted to play golf.
A decade later, Park would emulate Pak and win the US Open herself.
Zhang Watch
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