Summer 2023

108 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 3 The ladies hit pretty far.Their swings are amazing. They have been raised with video and TrackMans [a system that monitors ball flight statistics] and equip- ment that make them super consistent.” The average drive for the lady pros is now around 265 yards, according to LPGA stats. The money’s changed as well. U.S. Women’s Open Champion Amy Alcott took home about $20,000 when she won the tournament in 1980. This year’s first place prize is nearly 100 times that amount at close to $2 mil- lion. Alcott, also an LPGA Hall of Fame member, holds Pebble dear, as she experienced one of her most memo- rable wins here, breaking a record set by legend Babe Zaharias. “Growing up in California and playing the Women’s State Amateur at Pebble Beach before I ever turned pro was a highlight for me. I remember shoot- ing 69 which became the course record there for many years back in 1973. What a great statement that the U.S.Women’s Open is finally coming to Pebble Beach. It should be a great test for the elite women players in the game.” USGA’s Julia Pine says memories like Amy Alcott’s were part of the decision to hold the U.S. Women’s Open here. “When we surveyed players, we found it really mattered where they won their U.S. Open. So Pebble is a great partner for that.” Pine notes that you don’t have to be a golfer to relate to the allure of this venue. “Everyone has a Pebble memory. Tiger winning, or playing there with their dad, or riding on the 17 Mile Drive, or just having their feet on the ground enjoying the area.” Challenging Despite all the glowing memories and budding excitement, the tourna- ment will be quite the challenge. Pebble is tricky even for the best pros. “It will test their endurance and their strategy,” Alcott says. Inkster dials in some of the toughest scenarios. “The greens are small and very roll-y.You’re going to have to have a strong iron game to try and get your ball close. I think someone with a strong short game will do well there. I just think it’s the right venue for the women. It’s not a super long golf course, but There is so much excitement around the U.S. Women's Open coming to Pebble Beach that the lure of the competition has some of the best women players in golf history coming out of retirement, including Michelle Wie West. The opportunity of competing at Pebble Beach is bringing Annika Sörenstam back out of retirement. Photo: Cal Sport Media/Alamy Stock Photo Photo: Zuma Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo