This week was supposed to be U.S. Women’s Open’s week. But with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing back the dates to Dec. 10-13, it’s instead a time to celebrate the championship’s rich history and prominent role in advancing the women’s game as the storied event turns 75.
To mark the milestone occasion, the USGA has named three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion Annika Sorenstam as ambassador of the championship. The LPGA and World Golf Hall of Famer because the first international player to win back-to-back titles in 1995 and 1996. She added a third victory in 2006, defeating Pat Hurst in the championship’s final 18-hole playoff.
“I am proud to represent the U.S. Women’s Open as their ambassador during this historic year,” said Sorenstam, one of six players to have won three or more USWO titles. “The championship means a lot to me and my career and I look forward to celebrating and reliving moments that have meant so much not only to me, but the sport of golf as a whole. It’s truly a special occasion for so many of us.”
This year’s championship will be held at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. On what would’ve been championship Sunday (June 7), Fox will replay In Gee Chun’s 2015 U.S. Women’s Open victory at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club in prime time. The event featured record-setting crowds. In addition, Golf Channel will air several USWO classics from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
- Thursday, June 4: 2007 U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club (won by Cristie Kerr)
- Friday, June 5: 2010 U.S. Women’s Open at Oakmont Country Club (won by Paula Creamer)
- Saturday, June 6: 2011 U.S. Women’s Open at The Broadmoor, (won by So Yeon Ryu)
- Sunday, June 7: 2014 U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (won by Michelle Wie)
Due to travel restrictions and safety concerns, the Reunion of Champions has been rescheduled for 2021 at the U.S. Women’s Open at The Olympic Club in San Francisco.
To celebrate 75, the USGA has also launched the U.S. Women’s Open History Experience, a fully immersive timeline that brings the first 74 years to life on uswomensopen.com. Beginning on Sept. 26, the organization will start a 75-day countdown to the championship with unique and never-before-seen-content.
