MANHEIM, Pa. — Jim Nagel has become very familiar with the Lancaster Country Club over the years.
As a kid, he would go to the course for summer swimming competitions. He would later study the course in the late-90's when he became a golf course architect.
Now, he will be watching the best in women's golf compete on the course he redesigned.
“I take tremendous pride in that, but also tremendous joy because I know what the return is for this community," said Nagel. "It’s a community I grew up in.”
Nagel has been working as a golf course architect for more than 20 years and has assisted with renovations of the Lancaster Country Club over the years. Between 2021 and 2022, he was involved in the latest course renovation where several holes were adapted to keep up with changes in players' abilities and equipment.
The renovations, he said, add a little more challenge to the course.
“You might have one hole where the wind is in your face and another where it’s a tailwind," said Nagel. "Therefore, that’s going to have an impact on playability.”
As the US Women's Open returns to the Lancaster Country Club this weekend, Nagel said the players will be given a test to prove their skills as the best in women's golf.
“The eventual winner is going to be somebody who is literally on their game, whether it’s off the tees, using their long irons, their short irons, and their putting," he stated.
The renovations create the perfect conditions to watch championship golf in Lancaster County.
“The volunteers and the staff, they have done something absolutely wonderful out there. And I know it’s going to translate to TV beautifully," said Nagel.
The first round of the 79th US Women's Open tees off Thursday at 6:45 AM.
