The 2010 US Women's Open comes to venerable Oakmont Country Club, Pittsburgh, PA. For history buffs Exhibit A is Julie Inskster, who at 50 years young is returning to the site of her 1992 Open playoff loss to Patty Sheehan. For making history buffs there's newly minted world #1 Cristie Kerr fending off close behind challengers Ai Miyazato, Jiyai Shin, Suzann Pettersen, and Yani Tseng. Don't leave out defending champ Eun-Hee Ji and a host of others in the 156 player field. 2010 US Women's Open Field and Tee Times.
Hot, dry, and fast should be the order of the day, at least for the first two rounds. Hitting fairways will be paramount, but as is almost always the case, making putts will determine the winner. A few years ago I'd have installed Michelle Wie as the heavy prohibitive favorite based on her strength and length. Sideways out of bunkers may be commonplace this week and Wie "had" the chops to hit shots out of trouble that no other woman had any business attempting. Here's hoping for a reemergence for Wie and a US champion.
Although noticeably behind their male brethren, the women will play for a 3.25 million dollar purse with $585,000 being the winner's share. Sit back and enjoy.
Til' next,
I love this course. The ladies should enjoy the heck out of it.
ReplyDeleteCreamer may have enjoyed it. I don't know about the rest. I'm certain Michelle Wie wasn't too amused.
ReplyDeleteSince I live in Pittsburgh (Burgh Golfer) I had the opportunity to watch the final round of the ladies Womens Open at Oakmont. I was quite impressed with the ability to navigate that golf course from the "blue tees". However, the greens were much softer than normal. Fast, yes but also soft, it was obvious the USGA did not want a 20 over par winner which may have occurred if they did not add some water. Regardless, Paula played fantastic and it was good to see her bring home a major.
ReplyDeletehttp://burghgolfer.blogspot.com/
What a coincidence. I live in a "burgh" as well. Plattsburgh. Not near any major venues, although I did catch the President's Cup in Montreal. 60 miles.
ReplyDeleteNo question Creamer was the best of the week and it was interesting to see the women play a "tough" course.
Thanks for the look.
My buddy who is a member at Oakmont played practice rounds with Gulbis and Wie. He said Wie shot 73 her first time around there from the tees they played the tournament on. He said her putting and short game were excellent. Too bad it did not translate come tournament time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Wie's tough to figure, huh? She shot a great 1st round at the British, then kind of folded.I was hoping she had steadied herself after that initial win.
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