LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — The United States Golf Association (USGA) is used to hosting huge events and the U.S. Women's Open is one of their biggest of the year.
Starting on Tuesday, May 28, the public is welcome to come and watch the top women's players in the world at Lancaster Country Club.
The members of the club have given up their playing privileges to the top pros. Many of them will still be spending lots of time at the club as one of the 2,000 volunteers for the event, just like they did in 2015.
"Right after it was over, we had all of this wonderful euphoria from all of the positive feedback and you immediately wanted to say we’ll do it again," recalled Emy Besler. "This year, it looks like it’s going to be bigger and better, doesn’t it?”
Besler will be stationed on the 18th hole for the week as a marshal, an important job. The USGA depends on the massive number of volunteers to help run a smooth tournament.
“We have volunteers coming from all over the world, we have two coming from Sweden," said Carol Lefever, the Volunteer Chairperson. "We’re thrilled that we have a large contingency of local volunteers too.
"We had a blast the last time, the community came together, it was just incredible," she continued. "Everybody was in such a good mood, the atmosphere was great, the women golfers were just amazed at their practice rounds were huge crowds, let alone to the weekend."
After the U.S. Women's Open in 2015, a survey was conducted on what areas could use improvement. The list was small for Lancaster Country Club and it was addressed.
“Last time, there weren’t quite as many concession stands, there will be more concession stands," explained Chairman Jerry Hostetter. "There will be more bathrooms. With 130,000 people plus for the week in ’15, the USGA has taken that and built on that. I think it should only be enhanced for an experience to watch great ladies play.”
Practice rounds for the 2024 U.S. Women's Open are Tuesday, May 28 and Wednesday, May 29. The four competition rounds take place Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2.