When the U.S. Women's Open gets underway Thursday, all eyes will be on the LPGA Tour's new, young breed to climb the leaderboard. Suzann Pettersen, Morgan Pressel, Britney Lincicome and Lorena Ochoa are among the favorites, but don't count out veterans like Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam.
Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club has hosted five USGA Championships, including two prior U.S. Women's Opens. Annika Sorenstam won here in 1996. Karrie Webb won in 2001.
The course is a Donald Ross design that opened in 1928. Since then, it has been voted a top course for women in America. This week, it is set up at 6,644 yards and is a 79.8/150 women's slope/rating.
Here's a look at Pine Needles during Wednesday's practice round.
Michelle Wie at Pine Needles
Michelle Wie is all smiles on the practice green Wednesday despite a last place finish at the LPGA Championship.
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1st hole at Pine Needles
The par-5 1st hole plays uphill and is 488 yards.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Pine Needles par-3 3rd
The par-3 3rd hole: 132 yards over water.
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Behind Pine Needles' 3rd green
A look from behind the green of No. 3.
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Pine Needles' par-4 4th
The par-4 4th hole tees off uphill over water.
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Pine Needles - 5th green
The par-3 5th green.
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Pine Needles - 5th
The 5th has an alternate back tee that sets up at 205 yards.
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Deep bunker
The par-4 6th hole features a deep bunker short and right of the elevated green.
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Pine Needles 2007 Women's Open practice
A Donald Ross signature: many of Pine Needles' greens are crowned - like the 8th green.
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Pine Needles - 8th
The par-4 8th hole is a dogleg right over tall grass and has a small landing area.
Brandon Tucker/GolfPublisher.com
Pine Needles - 10th
The par-5 10th plays uphill and doglegs right.
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11th - elevated green
A waste area sits in front of the elevated green on the Pine Needle's par-4 11th hole.
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Pine Needles - 13th
The 13th is a downhill par 3 playing 205 yards.
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13th tee at Pine Needles
A look from the par-3 13th tee.
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18th at Pine Needles
The 18th is a downhill par 4 that plays 413 yards to a crowned green with several collection zones.
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The Pine Needles Lodge and practice green
The Pine Needles Lodge and practice green on Wednesday.
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Natalie Gulbis practicing for 2007 Women's Open
Natalie Gulbis hopes to become the third first-time major winner on the LPGA Tour this season.
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Arnold Palmer's aura resonates through Mid South Club at Talamore Golf Resort
