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The oldest women's golf major, which is
celebrating its 75th year, kicks off on Thursday at the
Champions Golf Club with Ko among the favourites after she
clinched the ANA Inspiration title and the Evian Championship in
2019.
But beyond the glory of a major title, this week's event carries
added significance for the 25-year-old South Korean.
"1998 when I was three years old I watched the TV on my father's
knee about (Pak Se Ri's) win when she won this tournament, and
then I saw that I want to play the golf," said Ko. "So I
started. So yeah, I want to get the U.S. Open trophy."
Pak, who won the 1998 U.S Women's Open in a playoff when she was
just 20, is a sporting hero in South Korea and inspired a
generation of young golfers.
This year's tournament was postponed from June to Dec. 10-13 due
to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be played without fans.
Six-time LPGA winner Ko, who was named LPGA Tour Player of the
Year after a landmark 2019, said a major challenge this week
will be competing on two different courses - Cypress Creek and
Jackrabbit - a first for her.
"It's tough. I have to play two courses, but 18 holes for the
practice round. It's a little bit tiring to me," she said. "But
this is the same condition for everyone, so I can accept."
Competitors will alternate between Cypress Creek and Jackrabbit
in the first two rounds, with the final two being played at
Cypress, the course Ko favours with its larger greens and narrow
fairways.
"Jack Rabbit's greens are smaller than Cypress, but maybe - I
think I will play every club in the bag this course," said Ko.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery; editing by Richard Pullin)
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