2010 U.S. Women's Open (Spoilers)

[Smallville]

Thanks to the great schedule makers at the LPGA, we have our second LPGA Major in three weeks, starting on Thursday. At least there was a tournament in between them! If you miss this one, the British Open will be in three more weeks, which means the women will play three of their Majors in just over one month's time.

http://www.golfweek.com/news/2010/jul/05/women-take-oakmont/

Women get shot to take on Oakmont

Oakmont. Pinehurst. Pebble Beach. Venues that conjure up some of golf’s most celebrated moments – for men.

Now the women get a chance – beginning this year at Oakmont – to etch their place in history. The U.S. Women’s Open rota includes traditional courses that resonate, even with casual golf fans. This will mark the second staging of the Women’s Open at Oakmont, where Juli Inkster lost a playoff to Patty Sheehan over Henry Fownes’ demanding design in 1992.

“It’s huge for us as far as respectability and accountability,” said Inkster, exempt this year because of her ’02 Open victory.

The women will share an Open venue with the men for the first time in 2014 when they play Pinehurst No. 2 the week after the U.S. Open. Pebble Beach is regarded as a frontrunner for the 2016 Women’s Open. Mike Davis, senior director of rules and competitions for the U.S. Golf Association, said the association aims to find a combination of good markets where the Women’s Open will be the “happening of the year.” In huge markets, the premier event in women’s golf tends to get lost.

So while venues such as Blackwolf Run (Wisconsin) and Old Waverly (Mississippi) attract good crowds, players and fans appreciate when the USGA tosses a top-shelf venue such as Oakmont into the mix.

“Spectators like to see how the men and women compare,” Australia’s Lindsey Wright said.

Angela Stanford agrees, but cautions that women shouldn’t have a steady diet of tracks typically played by men. Fans don’t appreciate the differences between the genders’ games, she said. Davis must take a keen interest in the differences. As the man in charge of setting up USGA championships, Davis has to figure out how to test the women July 8-11 at Oakmont – arguably golf’s most difficult track – without going overboard.

“This will be the hardest Women’s Open course you will see,” Davis said.

For starters, veterans such as Inkster won’t recognize the place. More than 5,000 trees have been removed since the women last played Oakmont.

“The biggest change was we moved the bunkers in up against the fairways and we deepened them,” longtime head pro Bob Ford said. “The driving zones are incredibly penal. It’s going to take a gal that can really drive it straight, who has the courage to drive it straight, and one that really putts out of her mind for a week.”

In ’92, torrential rain resulted in a local newspaper renaming the site “Soakmont.” Players experienced Oakmont without its sharpest teeth.

“If the greens (this year) are hard and fast,” Ford said, “it’s going to be a beating.”

Ford said it’s not about length at Oakmont; it’s about accuracy. Inkster recalls trying to be long on most of the holes, as several greens slope from front to back. Davis, who was responsible for setup at the ’07 U.S. Open at Oakmont, said the rough was too penal that year. The women can expect shorter rough and softer greens, the latter because women generate less spin on the ball.

The course will play 6,598 yards; the men played it at 7,230 yards in ’07. While it was a par 70 in ’07, the women will play it as par 71, with the ninth hole set up as a par 5. Angel Cabrera won in ’07 at 5 over. Ford said he’d be “shocked” if the women broke par.

One of the best putters in the women’s game is eager to test Oakmont’s renowned greens.

“On those greens, I feel like I can do something special,” said Cristie Kerr, the ’07 Women’s Open champion at Saucon Valley.

According to Ford, Oakmont’s green speeds average about 12 on the Stimpmeter for its courageous membership. In 2007, the men faced greens speeds that were in the mid-to-high 14s, according to Davis.

“Can we get them that high for the women?” Davis asked rhetorically. “I’m not really sure.”

Davis has consulted with a who’s who of former players – Annika Sorenstam, Judy Rankin and Dottie Pepper, among them – about what to do with Oakmont’s greens. PGA Tour players face faster greens than LPGA players do on a weekly basis.

Inkster, for one, would like to face the same green speeds as the men.

“I think it would be detrimental to us if we didn’t,” she said.

Others, however, think the adjustment would be too fierce. Davis said Oakmont’s undulating greens have the potential to be “something LPGA players have never seen in their lives.” He expects to set the speeds at 13-13 1/2 for the Women’s Open.

There was a time when Ford told reporters that whoever wins at Oakmont, host of 17 major championships since 1903, will be someone deeply familiar with the course. When Sam Parks Jr. won the 1935 U.S. Open, he was on property 30 days earlier, learning the greens. But since Jack Nicklaus won the Open in ’62, Ford said no champion has been on the grounds before the week of the championship.

“That’s pretty phenomenal,” Ford said. “I would say, maybe you’re better off not coming here and getting scared.”

 

[Smallville]

Pairings and tee times:

Thursday: first hole; Friday: 10th hole:
7:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Mika Miyazato; a-Jennifer Johnson; Shasta Averyhardt
7:11 a.m.-12:41 p.m. – Sandra Gal; Pornanong Phatlum; a-Courtney Ellenbogen
7:22 a.m.-12:52 p.m. – Julieta Granada; Samantha Richdale; a-Kaitlin Drolson
7:33 a.m.-1:03 p.m. – Morgan Pressel; Maria Hjorth; Candie Kung
7:44 a.m.-1:14 p.m. – Sakura Yokomine; Heekyung Seo; Brittany Lincicome
7:55 a.m.-1:25 p.m. – Kristy McPherson; Amanda Blumenherst; Na Yeon Choi
8:06 a.m.-1:36 p.m. – Jennifer Song; Catriona Matthew; Eun-Hee Ji
8:17 a.m.-1:47 p.m. – Eunjung Yi; Azahara Munoz; Wendy Ward
8:28 a.m.-1:58 p.m. – Paige Mackenzie; Meena Lee; Shi Hyun Ahn
8:39 a.m.-2:09 p.m. – Song-Hee Kim; Karrie Webb; Chie Arimura
8:50 a.m.-2:20 p.m. – Maria Hernandez; Chella Choi; Sarah Kemp
9:01 a.m.-2:31 p.m. – Taylor Leon; Louise Stahle; Mina Harigae
9:12 a.m.-2:42 p.m. – a-Danielle Kang; a-Lisa McCloskey; Michele Redman

Thursday: 10th hole; Friday: first hole
7:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – a-Brittany Altomare; Charlotte Mayorkas; Mhairi McKay
7:11 a.m.–12:41 p.m. – a-Alison Lee; Meredith Duncan; a-Jennifer Kirby
7:22 a.m.–12:52 p.m. – Jenny Shin; a-Yueer Feng; Christi Cano
7:33 a.m.–1:03 p.m. – Ai Miyazato; Jiyai Shin; Michelle Wie
7:44 a.m.–1:14 p.m. – Angela Stanford; Suzann Pettersen; Paula Creamer
7:55 a.m.–1:25 p.m. – Nicole Jeray; a-Laura Kueny; A-Sandra Changkija
8:06 a.m.–1:36 p.m. – Tania Elosegui; a-Stephanie Kono; Tiffany Joh
8:17 a.m.–1:47 p.m. – Shinobu Moromizato; In Kyung Kim; Sophie Gustafson
8:28 a.m.–1:58 p.m. – Se Ri Pak; Sun Young Yoo; Meaghan Francella
8:39 a.m.–2:09 p.m. – Stacy Prammanasudh; Tamie Durdin; Jeong Eun Lee
8:50 a.m.–2:20 p.m. – Mi-Jeong Jeon; Karine Icher; Shanshan Feng
9:01 a.m.–2:31 p.m. – Sherri Steinhauer; Teresa Lu; Jeong Jang
9:12 a.m.–2:42 p.m. – Allison Fouch; Libby Smith; Sarah Lee

Thursday: first hole; Friday: 10th hole
12:30 p.m.–7:00 a.m. – a-Victoria Tanco; Ashli Bunch; a-Sara-Maude Juneau
12:41 p.m.–7:11 a.m. – Kimberly Kim; Sakurako Mori; Alison Walshe
12:52 p.m.–7:22 a.m. – Jennifer Rosales; Alena Sharp; Gwladys Nocera
1:03 p.m.–7:33 a.m. – Alexis Thompson; Stacy Lewis; Amy Yang
1:14 p.m.–7:44 a.m. – Yani Tseng; Cristie Kerr; Anna Nordqvist
1:25 p.m. – 7:55 a.m. – Irene Cho; Heather Young; Bo Mee Lee
1:36 p.m.–8:06 a.m. – Helen Alfredsson; M.J. Hur; Katherine Hull
1:47 p.m.–8:17 a.m. – Vicky Hurst; Karen Stupples; Hee Young Park
1:58 p.m.–8:28 a.m. – Brittany Lang, McKinney; Momoko Ueda; Seon Hwa Lee
2:09 p.m.–8:39 a.m. – Becky Brewerton; a-Christine Wong; Joomi Kim
2:20 p.m.–8:50 a.m. – Anna Rawson; a-Sally Watson; Sofie Andersson
2:31 p.m.–9:01 a.m. – a-Tiffany Lim; Lorie Kane; a-Ariya Jutanugarn
2:42 p.m.–9:12 a.m. – a-Juliana Murcia Ortiz; Belen Mozo; Kirby Dreher

Thursday: 10th hole; Friday: first hole
12:30 p.m.–7:00 a.m. – Esther Choe; a-Kelli Shean; a-Jaye Marie Green
12:41 p.m.–7:11 a.m. – TBD; a-Gabriella Then; Jennifer Gleason
12:52 p.m.–7:22 a.m. – Meg Mallon; Becky Morgan; Janice Moodie
1:03 p.m.–7:33 a.m. – Natalie Gulbis; Inbee Park; Pat Hurst
1:14 p.m.–7:44 a.m. – Juli Inkster; Christina Kim; Jee Young Lee
1:25 p.m.–7:55 a.m. – a-Jessica Korda; Heewon Han; Ji Young Oh
1:36 p.m.–8:06 a.m. – Laura Diaz; Hye Jung Choi; Louise Friberg
1:47 p.m.–8:17 a.m. – Aiko Ueno; Naon Min; Lindsey Wright
1:58 p.m.–8:28 a.m. – Veronica Felibert; Kyeong Bae; a-Nicole Zhang
2:09 p.m.–8:39 a.m. – a-Janine Fellows; a-Junthima Gulyanamitta; Marianne Skarpnord
2:20 p.m.–8:50 a.m. – Jill McGill; Martha Nause; Giulia Sergas
2:31 p.m.–9:01 a.m. – Lucy Nunn; Sarah Lynn Sargent; a-Lizette Salas
2:42 p.m.–9:12 a.m. – So Yeon Ryu; Liz Janangelo; a-Sun Gyoung Park

 

[_JL_]

I'm pretty excited for this, Oakmont is quite close to where I live. I've been to a few tourneys there, but not this one unfortunately.
I'm hoping for a good showing from Lexi Thompson, she's definitely the poser-girl for Cobra/Puma golf on the ladies side.
They're lucky it's gonna cool down a bit for them, the highs here are in the mid-90's and very humid and sunny from yesterday until Thursday.

 

[JB]

I'm pretty excited for this, Oakmont is quite close to where I live. I've been to a few tourneys there, but not this one unfortunately.
I'm hoping for a good showing from Lexi Thompson, she's definitely the poser-girl for Cobra/Puma golf on the ladies side.
They're lucky it's gonna cool down a bit for them, the highs here are in the mid-90's and very humid and sunny from yesterday until Thursday.

I still think as of right now Anna is their girl. Major winner, at her peak and still young!

 

[_JL_]

I still think as of right now Anna is their girl. Major winner, at her peak and still young!

True, she's just with Puma though, right?
I'm always afraid the Cobra pros will soon just disappear.

 

[JB]

True, she's just with Puma though, right?
I'm always afraid the Cobra pros will soon just disappear.

She is Puma and Ping. I think that assumption may be a reality soon. Contracts for quite a few are coming up VERY SOON, but that is for a different thread I guess.

 

[_JL_]

She is Puma and Ping. I think that assumption may be a reality soon. Contracts for quite a few are coming up VERY SOON, but that is for a different thread I guess.

Yep, as of right now I'm just excited for this tourney. I'm not sure how they have it set up, but I know the last couple men's tourneys have been ridiculous with bunkers everywhere. Gotta love seeing the pros struggle and look human every once in a while.

 

[Smallville]

Broadcast schedule. All times Central.

Jul 08 2:00-6:00 PM CT ESPN
Jul 09 2:00-6:00 PM CT ESPN
Jul 10 2:00-5:00 PM CT NBC
Jul 11 2:00-5:00 PM CT NBC

 

[Frknglfnut]

depending on the set up, I think you have to watch out for Wie, her length could be a monster advantage here, if she'll just channel Dave Stockton a bit, she'll be tough to beat. Christy Kerr is really playing well.. am I being to pro-US, ah what the hell, I'm American.

 

[JB]

The major kicks off tomorrow...Lets hear some predictions. Winner, Darkhorse, Disappointment?

Winner - Suzann Petterson or Yani Tseng The mini slumps will end with a win
Darkhorse - Brittany Lincicome or Katherine Hull
Disappointment - Christie Kerr and Morgan Pressel. Pressel because of length. Kerr because I just think it is time for that letdown that they all go through.

 

[Smallville]

Winner: Suzann Pettersen
Darkhorse: Juli Inkster Kristy McPherson
Disappointment: Michelle Wie

EDIT: Updated the darkhorse last night to a top 30 player!

 

[_JL_]

I'll be honest, I don't follow the LPGA much. So I'll just pick who I like best!

Winner: Anna Nordqvist
Darkhorse: Lexi Thompson (She could make a huge statement with a good showing this week)
Disappointment: Kerr (I figure anything but a win would be disappointing at this point, right?)

EDIT: 1,000 posts! Woot Woot!

 

[JB]

Went with the Cobra Combo huh? haha Congrats on the posts. That is awesome and we are glad to have you here.

 

[TC]

The major kicks off tomorrow...Lets hear some predictions. Winner, Darkhorse, Disappointment?

Winner - Suzann Petterson or Yani Tseng The mini slumps will end with a win
Darkhorse - Michelle Wie (definitely considered a darkhorse at this stage). Has a shot to win at this course for her length.
Disappointment - Christie Kerr and Morgan Pressel. Pressel because of length. Kerr because I just think it is time for that letdown that they all go through.

ranked 10th in the world! kinda goes against your darkhorse theories doesn't it?

 

[AceTimbo08]

Winner: Anna N
Darkhorse: Brittany Lincicome, hasn't done much this year, but if she gets hot with the flat sick her length will be a huge advantage obviously
Disappointment: Christie Kerr, just don't think she can follow it up with another one, although I do think she will have a decent showing.

 

[JB]

ranked 10th in the world! kinda goes against your darkhorse theories doesn't it?

Wow, I was looking at old rankings, she was lower than that. You are right, it cannot be a top 10 player. Edited my picks

 

[TC]

Wow, I was looking at old rankings, she was lower than that. You are right, it cannot be a top 10 player. Edited my picks

it's ok dude, it happens to the best of us, hehe.

i would agree though, she would be considered a darkhorse, b/c quite frankly, she's not a favorite. but i know you're a stickler for the rules.

my picks:

winner: kerr (she just looks dominant)
darkhorse: lee westwood (nah, brittany lincicome)
disappointment: anna nordqvist

 

[Smallville]

I thought the darkhorse had to be out of the top 50? I mean, we're not picking them to win (since we are picking a winner), we are just picking someone to do well with that pick, right? At the minimum, outside the top 30 anyway.

 

[JB]

I thought the darkhorse had to be out of the top 50? I mean, we're not picking them to win (since we are picking a winner), we are just picking someone to do well with that pick, right? At the minimum, outside the top 30 anyway.

A darkhorse to me has to be outside of the top 15-20 that will make a run and be near the top or do far better than expected. But there are multiple meanings of course. Like picking someone ranked 85th and they finish top 20

 

[Smallville]

OK, I thought we were calling it something else. In that case, I'll go with McPherson!

 

[Esox]

Kerr

Kevin

 

[JB]

Ron Sirak just said "One hour for Wie-Shin-Miyatzo to play first 3 holes. How we doing on that 4:34 pace-of-play goal?"

Wow, is JB Holmes in their group? ha

 

[TC]

Ron Sirak just said "One hour for Wie-Shin-Miyatzo to play first 3 holes. How we doing on that 4:34 pace-of-play goal?"

Wow, is JB Holmes in their group? ha

ouch!

i heard they say that the par 3 (8th i believe) will be playing a hair over 250!!! what? that should be interesting.

 

[JB]

ouch!

i heard they say that the par 3 (8th i believe) will be playing a hair over 250!!! what? that should be interesting.

Im not sure Pressel can reach that with her driver. Its going to be close. I am so looking forward to this event being televised.

 

[TC]

Im not sure Pressel can reach that with her driver. Its going to be close. I am so looking forward to this event being televised.

yeah, i'd like to catch some of it as well. personally, i don't see a whole lot of ladies shooting under par on this track, especially when all the girls are talking about how hard it is.