US Women's Open Battleground... "Everything About Pebble Beach Golf Links" (Comprehensive)

‘Golfers' Bucket List’, Nicknamed ‘God's Playground’
Seaside Course, Signature Hole 7th Hole 107 Yards
Key Battleground ‘Cliff of Death Course’ 8th to 10th Holes

'Pebble Beach Golf Links.'

It is the battleground of the US Women's Open. Marking its 78th edition this year, the tournament kicks off on the 6th (local time) at Pebble Beach Golf Links (par 72, 6,509 yards) in California, USA. The USGA has hosted this event 14 times before, but this is the first time the US Women's Open is being held here. The US Women's Open will also take place here in 2035, 2040, and 2048.

Pebble Beach Golf Links is a 'Seaside Course' that preserves the breathtaking scenery of the Monterey Peninsula.
[Photo by USGA]

This year, the USGA increased the total prize money for the US Women's Open from $10 million last year to $11 million, with the winner's prize set at $2 million. Both the total prize money and the winner's prize are the largest in the history of women's golf tournaments. A total of 156 players, including 11 winners this season, will compete for the championship. Defending champion Minjee Lee (Australia), rising star Rose Zhang (USA), and retired golf queen Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) are also among the participants.

Korea is represented by 22 players, including Ko Jin-young, the longest-standing world No. 1, domestic No. 1 Park Min-ji, and '64-time professional winner' Shin Ji-ae. Korean players have won the US Women's Open 11 times since Se-ri Pak (retired) in 1998. Among the past Korean US Women's Open champions are six players: Arim Kim (2020), Jeongeun Lee6 (2019), Sung Hyun Park (2017), In-ji Jeon (2015), So-yeon Ryu (2011), and Eun-hee Ji (2009). Ko Jin-young said, "It's a course I've wanted to play," adding, "Reading the green slopes is a bit tricky. The rough is also very tough."

Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted six US Opens (1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019) and one PGA Championship (1977), totaling seven men's major tournaments. The highlight was Tiger Woods' (USA) victory in 2000, where he dominated with a 15-stroke lead over second place (12-under 272). The USGA significantly adjusted the difficulty for the 2010 tournament, lowering the winning score by Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) to even par 284.

Tiger Woods showcased overwhelming skill and won the US Open held at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2000.
[Photo by USGA]

Pebble Beach Golf Links is a bucket list for every golfer. It is a golf course everyone wants to visit. Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus (USA) also said, "If I could play a round before I die, I would definitely go to Pebble Beach." It is even nicknamed "The Playground of the Gods." It is a regular on Golf Digest's biennial list of the top 100 golf courses in the United States. This world-renowned course boasts breathtaking views of the Monterey Peninsula near San Francisco.

Samuel Morse, grandson of the inventor of the Morse code, was captivated by the scenery while riding a carriage through the Monterey Peninsula and teamed up with wealthy William Crocker to complete the course in February 1919. Amateur champion Jack Neville was responsible for the design and construction, preserving the western coastline of the United States so that most holes allow players to fully experience the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. It is truly a 'seaside course.'

The course follows a 'one-way' layout where players do not encounter the clubhouse even after passing the 9th hole (par 4). You must complete all 18 holes to return. The course features a diverse layout, from a mere 107-yard par 3 (7th hole) to a 542-yard par 5 (14th hole). A variety of strategies using all 14 clubs are required. Additionally, the strong Pacific winds act as a variable, making the same hole appear completely different the next day.

The signature hole of Pebble Beach Golf Links is the 7th hole, which creates an island-like atmosphere.

The 'signature hole' is the 7th hole. The green feels like an island floating in the middle of the sea. Even tour players find it difficult to get 'on the green.' It is hard to gauge the wind, which changes intensity and direction constantly. The biggest challenge lies in the 'death cliff course' from holes 8 to 10. After a blind tee shot where the fairway is not visible, players must secure the 'ant waist' fairway of the dogleg hole, then navigate through deep rough and bunkers layered around the green. The right side is a sheer cliff. Failure to read the wind correctly will send the ball into the Pacific Ocean. The final 18th hole (par 5, 515 yards) allows for a '2-on' approach, but failure results in harsh penalties.

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