Summer 2023

106 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 at bay. “It’s more excitement than anything. I'm just looking forward to playing in front of family, friends and my supporters over the years. It's going to be such a cool week, I can't wait for the whole experience. Having played well last year, I feel like I can take that experience of being able to play through such a huge moment and apply that to this year’s open. There might be a little more outside distraction surrounding me during the week, but I've been preparing myself for it all year and just being able to work through things little by little, and put- ting one foot in front of the other will keep me ground- ed.” The Robert Louis Stevenson School graduate turned pro back in 2009. Now a newlywed, the 33-year-old is based in the Phoenix area, and says her adora- tion for her hometown never wanes.“I just love being from the Mecca of golf. Almost every sin- gle golfer, and most people, know where Monterey is and they always say, ‘Wow, that is such a beautiful area!’ It was a great place to grow up. I had so many places to practice and play, and I also loved being surrounded by the ocean. Living in Arizona now, I do miss the coastal views and rugged beaches but it makes my visits back home that much better.” Harigae is building her iconic status every year. She has several top-10 finishes, including runner up at last year’s U.S. Women’s Open, and feels very fortunate to be part of the sea-change in her sport.“In recent years we have seen our purses and venues increase and improve, which makes more people want to pay attention to us, which in turn makes current and future sponsors step up and invest in us. It's been really cool to see the rise in women's golf and I'm thankful to be able to take part in it while still in my playing years.” Legends React “My first reaction was ‘It’s about time,’” says former U.S.Women’s Open champ, LPGA Hall of Fame member and Central Coast native Juli Inkster. Inkster, a prodigy at San Jose State, was born and raised in Santa Cruz with the famed Pasatiempo golf course as her literal backyard. The two time U.S. Women’s Open champion (in 1999 and 2002) says there’s new excitement in the game—so many improvements—and it benefits everyone. “The LPGA hasn’t been to the Monterey area at all, so this is special for the women. The game has gotten more powerful. U.S. Women’s Open champion and LPGA Hall of Fame member Juli Inkster grew up in Santa Cruz, but never had the opportunity to compete professionally at Pebble Beach. She’s excited for this moment in women's golf. Photo: UPI/Alamy Stock Photo Pebble has hosted six of the men’s U.S. Opens. (The guys will be back in 2027, then three more times before 2045.) But now, it’s all about the ladies.