U.S. Women’s Open: Nelly Korda, Hannah Green lead the field at Lancaster CC

The 79th edition of the U.S. Women’s Open, the longest-running major championship in women’s golf, is set to take place at the Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania from May 30 to June 2, 2024. With a total purse of $12 million and a field full of top golfers, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be a real showstopper. As we get closer to the event, let’s take a look at the course details, the defending champion’s journey, and the field’s composition.

The U.S. Women’s Open, which started in 1946, is the oldest of the LPGA Tour’s five major championships. This prestigious tournament has played on lots of iconic courses, but Lancaster Country Club, hosting for the second time, presents a unique challenge.

Designed by William Flynn, the course is a par 70, stretching 6,546 yards with a lot of different terrain that will test every aspect of the players’ games. The course has a mix of strategic par 4s, two par 5s, and distinctive par 3s, so it’s going to demand precision and skill. It’s worth noting that the par-5 13th hole has been lengthened by 30 yards since 2015, which adds an extra layer of difficulty.

Allisen Corpuz, the current U.S. Women’s Open champion, won her first major title at the U.S. Women’s Open in 2023 at Pebble Beach. Her win, marked by a final-round 69, made her the first American to take home the trophy since Brittany Lang in 2016.

Corpuz’s win was more than just a career highlight—it was a testament to her resilience and skill. Since then, she hasn’t been able to recreate that magic, with only one top-10 finish this season. But if she goes back to defend her title, it could get her back on track and help her regain her former glory.

The Field for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open

The 2024 U.S. Women’s Open will feature 156 players, including a great mix of past major champions and rising stars. Leading the field is Nelly Korda, the current World No. 1, who has already won six tournaments this season, including the Chevron Championship. Other notable competitors include Celine Boutier, Ashleigh Buhai, Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, and Hannah Green. With eight past U.S. Women’s Open champions in the mix, the tournament is set for some intense competition.

The total purse for the U.S. Women’s Open is a whopping $12 million. This significant prize pot is sure to bring out the competitive spirit in the participating golfers.

Expert and Sleeper Picks

Expert Picks:

Nelly Korda (7-2): Nelly Korda’s dominance in 2024 is unparalleled. Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level, coupled with her precision and strategic play, makes her the top pick. Leading the Tour in greens in regulation and scoring average, Korda’s game is well-suited to Lancaster’s challenges.

Hannah Green (33-1): Green, a two-time winner this season (and the only multi-winner of the year besides Korda), brings a solid temperament and major-winning experience to the table. Her adaptability to difficult conditions and strategic mindset make her a strong contender and a potential winner.

Sleeper Picks:

Charley Hull (28-1): Hull’s powerful ball-striking and aggressive playstyle could pay dividends on Lancaster’s demanding layout. She is long overdue for a major breakthrough and could surprise many with a strong performance. The English star finished runner up in 2023, showing her growing potential.

Weather and Course Condition

The Lancaster Country Club is known for its challenging layout and top-notch maintenance, which ensures great playing conditions. The course has a lot of different terrain and bunkers, so you’ll need to be accurate off the tee and precise in your approach shots. The course is 6,546 yards long with a par of 70, so it’ll really test the competitors’ endurance and adaptability.

As we get closer to the tournament, the weather forecast says it’ll be great for golfing. We’re expecting sunny skies and a gentle breeze, which will provide a slight challenge for the players.