The third major of the year for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is up ahead on the calendar. After traveling around North America tour professionals will play one of the most prestigious events of the season, the U.S. Women’s Open. The 70^th edition of the tournament will be held July 9^th thru 12^th at the Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This event is the oldest of the five majors on tour and also has the largest purse in women’s golf, set at $4 million.

During the 2014 edition Michelle Wie made her 11^th appearance in the event at Pinehurst No. 2 and surprised us all by taking the title with 2-under par. Wie’s career has been overwhelmed with big scenarios and high expectations that have cost her adjustments throughout the years. Her talent as a golfer was never questioned but she was not performing at her highest level. With her title at the U.S. Women’s Open Michelle is now part of the women’s golf elite.

The Course

The Lancaster Country Club was established 1900 and is considered one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and finest private clubs. The Old Course was designed and shaped by William Flynn in 1920; it is made up by the Meadowcreek and Dogwood nines and considered the best 18-hole combination.

Players will need to have every part of the game in form due to the variety of shots that are required to succeed when playing in Lancaster. The course will be set up at 6,460 yards and will play to a par 70 (35-35).

Who can take the win?

Defending champions are always one of the favorites to take the trophy home.

Michelle Wie has been struggling with injuries all year long and has withdrawn from some of the season’s tournaments; raising doubts about whether she’ll be fit enough to defend her title. Among the favorites for this event is Inbee Park due to her recent victory at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Park managed to three-peat at the event and regained the No.1 spot in the world rankings.

Stacy Lewis was runner-up in last year’s edition and along with Lydia Ko could also be considered as one of the favorites to win at the Lancaster Country Club.

LPGA World Top Picks

1. Inbee Park
2. Stacy Lewis
3. Michelle Wie
4. Anna Nordqvist
5. Azahara Muñoz

Stats to Know

• Race to the CME Globe: 625 Points
• Format: 72 holes
• Purse: $4,500,000
• Par: 70
• Yardage: 6,460
• History: 70^th edition

Weather forecast

T.V. Coverage

• July 09 Fox Sports 1 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET
• July 10 Fox Sports 1 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET
• July 11 Fox Sports 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. ET
• July 12 Fox Sports 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. ET