Current LPGA dynamo Nelly Korda didn’t play in the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club. She was only 16.
Her emergence is just one of many differences between this year’s Open — set to make a return trip to LCC on May 29 through June 2 — and the one held here nine years ago.
Many of the operational tasks for which the United States Golf Association used to hire outside vendors or rely on volunteers are now being handled in-house.
“The first year we took the Women’s Open (fully) in-house was 2018,” Bryan Megee, a USGA Championship Manager in charge of the Open, said Tuesday at the event’s official media day.
“(Before that) we had that outside management company. Parking, transportation, volunteers, community relationships, all that stuff is done by us now. It’s just a more direct involvement.”
About 200 fewer volunteers will be needed this time.
“(The transportation) part is really good for us, not having that responsibility,” Jerry Hostetter, General Chairman of the Open, said last July. “That was a challenging division of the volunteers, taking cars to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, making sure the players get their courtesy cars.
“I feel like, as general chairman, it’ll be a little easier to manage this time.”
This is the main entrance where the golfers will enter to play in the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
SUZETTE WENGER | Staff PhotographerREAD: Top-ranked Nelly Korda among US Women's Open’s participants
The fan experience
Last time, the main entrance for spectators was the club’s usual main entrance off New Holland Avenue.
This time, that entrance will be for the players, whose courtesy cars will drive in and park where the members usually do. Adjoining that parking lot is an activities center, with a pool and gym, which LCC constructed for its members in 2021. It will serve as a hangout and workout space for the players and their families.
“We really want them to feel like they’ve arrived at the U.S. Open and at Lancaster Country Club,” Megee said of the players. “We certainly don’t want to bring them in on a gravel road or anything like that.”
The majority of spectators will arrive at the club in shuttle buses, same as last time. This time, though, they will enter the property at a new entrance, perhaps 100 yards southwest of the main one.
Looking at that spot, Megee said, “We’re going to make this a grand entrance.”
Spectators will get off the bus, go through admissions and ticketing at a welcome center, then walk toward the merchandise center along a path decorated with what Megee called, “awesome signage” along which unspecified interactive activities will be available.
There also will be a USGA mini-museum on the grounds, with artifacts culled from the USGA’s main museum in Far Hills, New Jersey.
![LCC 1.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/5a/f5afdf1a-08c1-11ef-9ac2-77d5b420fcf2/6633f67587a2f.image.jpg?resize=747%2C500)
Bunkering was enlarged on the right side of the third hole that crosses the Conestoga River where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 2.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/38/0381d490-08c2-11ef-bf11-8f56426bcd34/6633f68cb5c84.image.jpg?resize=928%2C500)
Left to right, the sixth green and the third hole, where bunkering was enlarged on the right side of the fairway that crosses the Conestoga River where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 3.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/19/11930806-08c2-11ef-8ea6-1f3d5420d6c9/6633f6a453ce9.image.jpg?resize=878%2C500)
Nate Schell, assistant superintendent at Lancaster Country Club, waters the 11th teeing area where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The bunker on the left, foreground side was added and drainage was changed.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 4.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/d0/1d027960-08c2-11ef-bd6b-a7788fed1bcb/6633f6b780de8.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property with 100 trees having been removed between the second, left, and seventh holes, right, on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 5.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/9f/29fe7f74-08c2-11ef-b4a6-cfa5548ffa34/6633f6cd4ce06.image.jpg?resize=879%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property with 100 trees having been removed between the second, top, and seventh holes, foreground on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 6.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/8f/38f919e4-08c2-11ef-ad2c-b38c62ec398c/6633f6e66ce82.image.jpg?resize=880%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property with 100 trees having been removed between the second, top, and seventh holes, foreground on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the seventh teeing area on the south side of the Conestoga River.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 7.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/40/54059358-08c1-11ef-ac13-a70aeb1fbcca/6633f566503d7.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property, 100 of those trees were removed between the second, top left, and seventh holes, foreground on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the seventh teeing area on the south side of the Conestoga River.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 8.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/3c/63c29840-08c1-11ef-b73c-2737d7f6e5c7/6633f580b2a52.image.jpg?resize=779%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property, 100 of those trees were removed between the seventh, left, and second holes, right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the second teeing area on the north side of the Conestoga River, left, and shows fescue that has been an addition over the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 9.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/66/76602f1c-08c1-11ef-85fc-ff8c6fc159c8/6633f59febd89.image.jpg?resize=787%2C500)
Several small trees were removed to make room for this new bunker that sits between the second hole, foreground, and the ninth fairway, to the right, on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the second hole.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 10.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/83/883a9132-08c1-11ef-b469-a76fe466c3d0/6633f5bddf6bf.image.jpg?resize=878%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, the grounds crew tightened the fairway on the 16th hole, known as Sandy Hook, by bringing the large bunker on the left toward the fairway to the right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the teeing area and shows the fescue that was also added to the course in the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 11.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/4a/c4a70df0-08bf-11ef-9a61-cfd139a9c68d/6633f2c84788e.image.jpg?resize=751%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, the grounds crew tightened the fairway on the 16th hole, known as Sandy Hook, by bringing the large bunker on the left toward the fairway to the right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the teeing area and shows some of the fescue that was also added to the course in the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 12.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/24/d24aac3c-08bf-11ef-a0cd-17a1edb96a33/6633f2df2b270.image.jpg?resize=1075%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, the grounds crew tightened the fairway on the 16th hole, known as Sandy Hook, by bringing the large bunker on the left toward the fairway to the right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the teeing area and shows some of the fescue that was also added to the course in the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 13.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/50/e5057082-08bf-11ef-8836-93e95953867f/6633f2fe92fa8.image.jpg?resize=793%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, an old springhouse was removed from the property that sat to the left of the cart path and the sycamore tree, enabling the 13th hole to be lengthened on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 13th fairway area and shows some of the fescue that was added to the course in the last several years. The 12th green sits in the middle of this image before the metal bridge that allows walkers to cross the deep gorge.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 14.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/1d/41def30e-08c1-11ef-a2eb-7b3ab45b9b49/6633f547d598f.image.jpg?resize=757%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, an old springhouse was removed from the property that sat past this small stream where a newer teeing area, foreground, was made, enabling the 13th hole to be lengthened on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 12th hole cart path.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 14.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/54/f5429a74-08bf-11ef-a13d-6bd1a5a80277/6633f319ce906.image.jpg?resize=757%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, an old springhouse was removed from the property that sat past this small stream where a new teeing area, foreground, was made, enabling the 13th hole to be lengthened on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 12th hole cart path.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 15.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/a5/8a530e82-08c0-11ef-8875-afe97344b9a8/6633f413e5abd.image.jpg?resize=847%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, since then, numerous trees have been removed at the top of the hill, foreground, and at the dogleg on the 13th hole on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 13th fairway approximately 100 yards from the green that sits behind where this image was taken.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 16.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/cc/9ccbcd56-08c0-11ef-841e-a335f9c2dbd5/6633f432e2504.image.jpg?resize=899%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, numerous trees have been removed at the top of the hill at the dogleg toward the 13th green on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 13th fairway approximately 100 yards from the green. With the tree removal, players will have an opportunity to try and reach this par 5 in two shots, but must miss four bunkers including the large bunker, foreground and the fescue that guards the green.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 17.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/a/ef/aef4e8aa-08c0-11ef-a80a-4722fe97954d/6633f4515ff7f.image.jpg?resize=861%2C500)
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, numerous trees have been removed at the top of the hill at the dogleg toward the 13th green on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from between two bunkers approximately 75 yards from the green. With the tree removal, players will have an opportunity to try and reach this par 5 in two shots, but must miss five bunkers including the two large bunkers, foreground and the fescue that guards the green.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 19.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/37/d3759a76-08c0-11ef-a968-afa8548c4a41/6633f48e9b42b.image.jpg?resize=790%2C500)
Members of Lancaster Country Club started using small, portable mats last October ahead of play for the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This larger mat was used on the par 3, 12th hole during media day on April 30th.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
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One of numerous stumps sits on the hill between the second and seventh holes, below, where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The trees were painted with a special paint to help preserve the roots, and help hold the hill together. There is limestone near the surface of the hill that should ensure the stability of the hillside after 100 trees were recently removed from this area.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
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Work is still in progress at the entryway for patrons that plan to attend the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This building sits about 75 yards to the right of the main driveway to LCC.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 23.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/d6/4d690bd0-08bf-11ef-9f93-170c6e98a397/6633f2003b3fc.image.jpg?resize=1021%2C500)
Work is still in progress at the entryway for patrons that plan to attend the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This is the backside of the gate from where people will enter after climbing steps on the other side of this building.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
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This is the building where merchandise will be sold to patrons during the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This is located about 20 yards west of the main driveway to LCC.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
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Numerous tents and platforms have been installed between the 16th and 13th holes to hold patrons when the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 27.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/04/c044d202-08be-11ef-a64f-6bee8c6c7a13/6633f1136c241.image.jpg?resize=864%2C500)
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This area is between the 12th, 13th and 16th holes.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 28.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/0f/d0fd64c4-08be-11ef-833b-837589664d07/6633f12f79192.image.jpg?resize=975%2C500)
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This area is between the 12th, 13th and 16th holes.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 29.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/81/08130752-08bf-11ef-8e9c-c7fc1acac8b0/6633f18bdef78.image.jpg?resize=806%2C500)
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This image was captured from the back of 11 green, looking toward the 11th fairway. On the left is the 10th green and the right side is the 17th green.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
![LCC 30.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/lancasteronline.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/5a/45a4a386-08c0-11ef-8783-3ff5c0d7e209/6633f3a0ac3d8.image.jpg?resize=919%2C500)
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This image was captured from the back of 11 green, looking toward the 11th fairway with the 17th green on the right side.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Lancaster Country Club and the USGA prepare to host the 79th U.S. Women's Open [photos]
Bunkering was enlarged on the right side of the third hole that crosses the Conestoga River where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Left to right, the sixth green and the third hole, where bunkering was enlarged on the right side of the fairway that crosses the Conestoga River where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Nate Schell, assistant superintendent at Lancaster Country Club, waters the 11th teeing area where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The bunker on the left, foreground side was added and drainage was changed.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property with 100 trees having been removed between the second, left, and seventh holes, right, on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property with 100 trees having been removed between the second, top, and seventh holes, foreground on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property with 100 trees having been removed between the second, top, and seventh holes, foreground on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the seventh teeing area on the south side of the Conestoga River.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property, 100 of those trees were removed between the second, top left, and seventh holes, foreground on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the seventh teeing area on the south side of the Conestoga River.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, 500 trees have been removed from the property, 100 of those trees were removed between the seventh, left, and second holes, right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the second teeing area on the north side of the Conestoga River, left, and shows fescue that has been an addition over the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Several small trees were removed to make room for this new bunker that sits between the second hole, foreground, and the ninth fairway, to the right, on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the second hole.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, the grounds crew tightened the fairway on the 16th hole, known as Sandy Hook, by bringing the large bunker on the left toward the fairway to the right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the teeing area and shows the fescue that was also added to the course in the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, the grounds crew tightened the fairway on the 16th hole, known as Sandy Hook, by bringing the large bunker on the left toward the fairway to the right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the teeing area and shows some of the fescue that was also added to the course in the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, the grounds crew tightened the fairway on the 16th hole, known as Sandy Hook, by bringing the large bunker on the left toward the fairway to the right on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the teeing area and shows some of the fescue that was also added to the course in the last several years.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, an old springhouse was removed from the property that sat to the left of the cart path and the sycamore tree, enabling the 13th hole to be lengthened on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 13th fairway area and shows some of the fescue that was added to the course in the last several years. The 12th green sits in the middle of this image before the metal bridge that allows walkers to cross the deep gorge.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, an old springhouse was removed from the property that sat past this small stream where a newer teeing area, foreground, was made, enabling the 13th hole to be lengthened on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 12th hole cart path.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, an old springhouse was removed from the property that sat past this small stream where a new teeing area, foreground, was made, enabling the 13th hole to be lengthened on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 12th hole cart path.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, since then, numerous trees have been removed at the top of the hill, foreground, and at the dogleg on the 13th hole on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 13th fairway approximately 100 yards from the green that sits behind where this image was taken.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, numerous trees have been removed at the top of the hill at the dogleg toward the 13th green on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from the 13th fairway approximately 100 yards from the green. With the tree removal, players will have an opportunity to try and reach this par 5 in two shots, but must miss four bunkers including the large bunker, foreground and the fescue that guards the green.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Since the U.S. Women's Open was last played at Lancaster Country Club in 2015, numerous trees have been removed at the top of the hill at the dogleg toward the 13th green on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May. This angle is viewed from between two bunkers approximately 75 yards from the green. With the tree removal, players will have an opportunity to try and reach this par 5 in two shots, but must miss five bunkers including the two large bunkers, foreground and the fescue that guards the green.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
The 12th green, left, and a portion of the 8th green, right, await golfers at Lancaster Country Club where they will host the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Members of Lancaster Country Club started using small, portable mats last October ahead of play for the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This larger mat was used on the par 3, 12th hole during media day on April 30th.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Various access points sit behind the 18th teeing area and the 10th green, right, at Lancaster Country Club where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
One of numerous stumps sits on the hill between the second and seventh holes, below, where the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. The trees were painted with a special paint to help preserve the roots, and help hold the hill together. There is limestone near the surface of the hill that should ensure the stability of the hillside after 100 trees were recently removed from this area.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Work is still in progress at the entryway for patrons that plan to attend the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This building sits about 75 yards to the right of the main driveway to LCC.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Work is still in progress at the entryway for patrons that plan to attend the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This is the backside of the gate from where people will enter after climbing steps on the other side of this building.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
This is the building where merchandise will be sold to patrons during the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This is located about 20 yards west of the main driveway to LCC.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
This is the main entrance where the golfers will enter to play in the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Numerous tents and platforms have been installed between the 16th and 13th holes to hold patrons when the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This area is between the 12th, 13th and 16th holes.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This area is between the 12th, 13th and 16th holes.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This image was captured from the back of 11 green, looking toward the 11th fairway. On the left is the 10th green and the right side is the 17th green.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
Numerous tents and platforms have been install ahead of the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024. This image was captured from the back of 11 green, looking toward the 11th fairway with the 17th green on the right side.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
The 18th hole, par 5, is all uphill and will test the lady golfers when the 79th U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be played at Lancaster Country Club at the end of May on Tuesday, April 20, 2024.
- SUZETTE WENGER | Staff Photographer
The golf course
The USGA announced Tuesday that Lancaster Country Club will play between 6,500 and 6,700 yards long for this year’s Open, with rough 4-5 inches in spots, and greens that will roll to about 11.5 on the Stimpmeter device.
That’s similar to 2015 except the length, which will be about 100 yards longer on the scorecard, and, if the 6,500-6,700 is correct — the actual yardage varies daily with setup and conditions —effectively more than that.
“Average driving distance on the LPGA Tour is about 255 yards now,” USGA Senior Director Shannon Rouillard said. “That’s the basis that I work the plan around.”
The club also has changed the golf course since 2015, adding bunkers here and there, removing trees, and installing in spots the long, wispy fescue grass familiar from European links-style golf.
All to adhere ever-closer to the vision of original architect William Flynn, who designed LCC’s course in the 1920s.
“It’s taken me some time to understand what William Flynn did here,” Rouillard said. “He was a magnificent router of golf courses.”
Interview with In Gee Chun, champion of the 2015 U.S. Women's Open
READ: Chun, Corpuz come to Lancaster as final month's countdown to U.S. Women's Open begins
The broadcast
Combining the efforts of NBC, Peacock, the Golf Channel, USA Network and the USGA’s own multimedia efforts, the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open likely will be the most comprehensively covered women’s sports event ever.
Peacock, NBC’s streaming arm, will air coverage from noon to 2 p.m. on May 29 and May 30; from 1-3 p.m. on June 1 and from 2-3 p.m. on June 2. USA will take over from 2-8 p.m. on May 29 and May 30 and 3-4 p.m. on June 2.
NBC’s coverage will begin at 3 p.m. June 1 and 4 p.m. June 2.
The Golf Channel’s “Live from …” studio show will air live from Lancaster throughout Open week, beginning at 9 a.m. the four days of the tournament and filling in after live coverage in the evenings.
While NBC is live on the tournament’s final two days, Mike Tirico, the network’s veteran play-by-play man, will host an alternate broadcast on Peacock that will mix live golf and interviews (on live video feeds) with athletes competing in this year’s Summer Olympics, similar to ESPN’s “Manning Cast” broadcast that runs alongside “Monday Night Football.”
Needless to say, NBC also will air the Olympics.
Interview with Allisen Corpuz, champion of the 2023 U.S. Women's Open
Kayak mania
It was mostly charming and made for great visuals, but some of the boaters got very close to the action, especially on the par-5 seventh hole, where a tee is on one side of the creek and the fairway on the other, meaning the golfers were driving over spectator’s heads.
The kayakers will be back because the creek is a state waterway. Hostetter, however, said the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is taking a more active role in policing the area this time.
READ: U.S. Women's Open launches 'Hidden Ball Challenge' for ticket packages in Lancaster
Cell phones
It’s not as if personal mobile devices weren’t pervasive in 2015, but the entire planet wasn’t quite the photo/video staging area then that it is now.
The Masters formally prohibited cell phones for spectators in 1993. It still — quaintly or weirdly, depending on outlook — provides banks of pay phones for fans.
The USGA still allows mobile phones (“smaller than seven inches in length and/or height”), albeit with the following rules:
— Volume controls must be set to silent or vibrate.
— Using devices to take photos is subject to the USGA’s photography policy.
— Video and audio recording are prohibited.
— Texting and emailing are allowed, but should not disrupt players.
Violators may be escorted off the grounds.
Traffic
As in 2015, the USGA is working with state and local officials to ensure reasonable access to the event for fans and minimal inconvenience for everyone else.
Complicating that will be the work PennDOT already has begun on a four-year, $72 million reconstruction of the Route 30/222 interchange, which includes widening ramps, replacing two bridges over Route 30, and widening Route 222 to six lanes from the interchange to a point about one mile north.
That interchange is a traffic snag in normal times, and it’s less than a mile from Lancaster Country Club.
“It’s not unusual to have major construction projects going on the same time as our championships,” Megee said. “It’s going to be a long (project), and it’s hard to do anything about that.
“We’re certainly keeping an eye on it. PennDOT has been great to work with, but obviously it’s a big project for them.”
More U.S. Women's Open coverage
USGA announces a record purse for US Women's Open
Teeing up the tourney: Workers prep for US Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club
Warwick junior Elle Overly is among 1,897 entries in 2024 US Women's Open
Elle Overly taking a swing at a big target [column]
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