U.S. Women's Open Preview

QUOTE OF THE DAY
It’s a wonderful feeling to win this championship. Once was wonderful. To win it twice was more than wonderful.
—Annika Sörenstam, the third-winningest golfer in LPGA history, who won the U.S. Women’s Open three straight times. Wonder how wonderful that third win was?
⛳️ The set-up
After last year’s event was postponed from its usual date in June to December due to COVID-19, the 2021 tournament is now back in its rightful summer spot. Can you feel that Gemini energy?
Established in 1946, the U.S. Women’s Open is the oldest of the five LPGA majors, and the second of the season, after April’s ANA Inspiration. LPGA tournaments are usually four-day competitions, meaning the U.S. Women’s Open winner will be crowned Sunday.
- This year’s field is made up of 156 of the world’s best golfers who will tee off at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California, all in the hunt for the Harton S. Semple Trophy...and a cool $1 million.
- And while we’d love to predict a winner now (betting on women is kind of our thing), if the LPGA has taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected...
🏆 The reigning champ
Kim A-lim, South Korea: The Korean rookie came from behind to win the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, largely thanks to three straight birdies to end her final round. Not only was it her first major win, but it was her first pro win ever on the LPGA Tour.
- Since that December win, she’s entered six tournaments and made the cut in just three, though her top 10 finish in April’s Lotte Championship was pretty impressive.
🥇 The other major winners
Patty Tavatanakit, Thailand: The only major played between this U.S. Women’s Open and last year’s was the ANA Inspiration in April, won impressively by Tavatanakit. Not only was it her first major win, but it was her first pro win ever on the LPGA Tour...wait, didn’t we just say that?
Sophia Popov, Germany: The reigning Women’s British Open champion has the ultimate underdog story. She entered the 2020 event ranked 304th in the world. Not only was it her first major win, but it was her first pro win ever on the LPGA Tour...okay, now it’s just getting weird.
Kim Sei-young, South Korea: Since the 2020 Evian Championship cancelation, the only other reigning major champ from 2020 is Women’s PGA Championship winner Sei-young. Although that was her first major win, she had already won 10 LPGA events before, so we’ll stop with the déjà vu now.
💪 The contenders
The Korda sisters, USA: We can’t pick just one — both world No. 11 Jessica and No. 4 Nelly Korda are winners in our eyes and in the 2021 record books, having both won LPGA tournaments earlier this year.
- Add to that eight other top 10 finishes between them this year and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, and these two could be the most competitive golfers on the course this weekend.
Brooke Henderson, Canada: Henderson broke her two-year winless drought with a HUGEL-Air Premia LA Open win in April. She already has a major title on her résumé, the 2016 Women’s PGA Championship, and we think it’s time she doubles the tally.
Lydia Ko, New Zealand: After dominating the 2015 and 2016 seasons, the former world No. 1 and two-time major winner found herself in a lull for a few years...until now. The Kiwi won the LOTTE Championship in April while also recording four top 10 finishes since February. Can we call it a comeback?