'US Women's Open Battleground' Champions Golf Course "Variables Are Weather and Wind"

Tournament-exclusive courses like Ryder Cup and US Open, First Ever Mixed Operation of Two Courses "Advantageous for Long Drives and Low Trajectory Shots"

The Champions Golf Course, a battleground for the US Women's Open, is famous as a tournament course. Photo by USGA

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Tournament-exclusive course.'

This is the story of Champions Golf Club, the battleground for the US Women's Open, known as the 'National Title of America,' which kicks off its epic journey on the night of the 10th (Korean time). It is famous for hosting big matches such as the 1967 Ryder Cup, the 1969 US Open, five Tour Championships, and five Houston Opens. Located in Houston, Texas, it is a 36-hole golf course. It was established in 1957 by '3-time Masters champion' Jimmy Demaret and '2-time major champion' Jack Burke Jr. (both from the USA), with design by Ralph Plummer.

The 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) won the Tour Championship here in 1999. The course record is 10-under 61, set by Chad Campbell (USA) during the third round of the 2003 Tour Championship. This year's US Women's Open will notably operate a combination of Jackrabbit and Cypress Creek courses. Originally scheduled for June, the event was postponed to December due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Considering the shorter daylight hours in winter, for the first time ever, the tournament will be held across two courses. Rounds 1 and 2 will be played simultaneously on Cypress Creek and Jackrabbit, while rounds 3 and 4 will continue on the main course, Cypress Creek. Since 2018, Cypress Creek has undergone repeated renovations and is set up as a par 71 with a total length of 6,682 yards. The long course length is particularly challenging for female players, giving an advantage to long hitters like Kim Sei-young (27, Mirae Asset).

Most holes feature doglegs left or right, making accurate tee shots essential. The greens are large, requiring precise iron shots to secure birdies. The front nine demands focus starting from the 4th hole (par 3, 177 yards). 'Father of Modern Golf' Ben Hogan (USA) famously collapsed here in 1971 with an 8-over, a 'quintuple bogey.' Hogan is a legend who became the second 'career grand slammer' in global golf history, backed by his record of three consecutive major wins in 1953.

If the tee shot is short, the ball can get caught in a drop-off. Players need to take enough club. The 6th hole (par 4, 405 yards) requires a crucial second shot; a push to the right leads to the lake, while the left side is guarded by bunkers. The 9th hole (par 5, 505 yards) bends to the right. Large bunkers flank the green, making it difficult to reach in two shots. The 12th hole (par 3, 207 yards) adds pressure with a tee shot that must carry over water, demanding both distance and accuracy.

Weather and cold are additional variables. With the tournament postponed to December, players must battle the cold. Texas is known for its windy conditions, favoring players who hit low shots. Angela Stanford (USA), a Texas native known for her low ball flight, has emerged as a dark horse. She secured a come-from-behind victory at the America Classic, a US Women's Open warm-up event, held on December 7 at Old American Golf Club in The Colony, Texas (par 71, 6,475 yards).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.