Here's Annika! One of Sorenstam's first wins in 1996.
US Women’s Open Preview
One of the most exciting tournaments of the year is here, major tournament US Women’s Open— hosted by Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. This season alone, there has been 17 winners in 19 tournaments, and with 19 of the top 20 in the Rolex Rankings, this weekend will be nothing short of exciting.
2016 US Women’s Open Champion, Brittany Lang
Round 1 is on its way with Shanshan Feng, Amy Yang, and Lydia Ko on top of the leaderboard this morning. Lydia Ko has been fairly inconsistent this year, moving eventually to top-4 in the world rankings, after spending 84 weeks at number 1. But, maybe this week will be her comeback. As for a defending title, Brittany Lang would be making history, as only Annika Sorenstam, Betsy King, and Hollis Stacy has won back to back at the US Women’s Open.
Surrounding the USWO, there has been controversy over the hosting club and its owner, now President Donald Trump. A large sum has protested the location of the tournament. The USGA has remained silent on the issue, but LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan made a statement weeks before, “with just three weeks until the championship, a change in venue for this prestigious major simply isn’t feasible without significantly diminishing the event. By no means, however, does this decision suggest support for Mr. Trump’s comments. The LPGA will continue its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the game of golf as it has done for the last 65 years.”
Michelle Wie won the US Women’s Open in 2014
Controversy aside, the trophy could have anyone’s name on it. Michelle Wie, who has been a strong contender this season, wants the people to focus on the game. “This week is about the golf. This is our national championship and one of my favorite weeks of the year. I really want to focus on the golf part and hopefully inspire a lot of young women and women in general, hopefully, with my game.”
Who is your USWO pick? Let us know on social media!
Be sure to tune in on FS1 from 2-7pm ET, Thursday and Friday, and on FOX from 2-7pm ET on Saturday and Sunday. For streaming, USGA.org will have coverage all tournament long.