10 Major Contenders at the U.S. Women's Open

The U.S. Women's Open is the oldest and most lucrative of the major championships on the LPGA Tour, headed to Shoal Creek in Alabama for its 73rd edition. Jack Nicklaus designed the course that was opened in 1977, and has been host of many considerable events including the PGA Championship on two occasions in 1984 and 1990, despite the club's once controversial membership policies drawing negative attention at that time. 

However, this is a positive first for the club and the U.S. Women's Open, in which Sung Hyun Park will defend the title she claimed last year at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. The 24-year-old will face a major challenge from a field that is hard to separate, due to the depth and parity that exists on the LPGA. In 13 tournaments this season, each have been won by a different player, including Sweden's Pernilla Lindberg at the ANA Inspiration in April.

The great Inbee Park has been restored to the world number position, and will be hoping to add to her major tally of seven. She won this championship in 2008 and 2013. Minjee Lee, Ariya Jutanugarn, and former teenage sensation Lydia Ko are recent winners on the LPGA, and will be hoping the favourites coming into this week, although the likes of Lexi Thompson, Brooke Henderson and former champion Michelle Wie remain a threat. Significant weather issues have blighted the days leading up to the championship, but we take a look at ten notable contenders for when it finally gets under way.

Inbee Park 

The legendary seven-time major champion had considered potential retirement, but the South Korean is back form and health and is a major threat going to this U.S. Women's Open. Twice a winner of this title, Park won the Bank of Hope Founders Cup back in March, and finished runner-up to Pernilla Lindberg at the ANA Inspiration. 

Ariya Jutanugarn

Shanshan Feng

The former Women's PGA Championship winner secured three titles on the LPGA Tour last year, and is now ranked second on the Rolex Ranking. The Chinese golfer has three top tens in the U.S. Open and has been a regular contender in majors since emerging onto the circuit several years ago.

Minjee Lee 

The young Australian won last week at the LPGA Volvik Championship, which was her first victory on the circuit since 2016. Having been the world's top ranked amateur when a teenager, Lee is now seeking to follow that potential into the major sphere, and this U.S. Women's Open could be her breakthrough.

Moriya Jutanugarn 

The elder of the two sisters won for the first time on the LPGA Tour earlier this year, and finished third at the Volvik last weekend. Finishing in a tie for sixth at the ANA Inspiration in April, the 23-year-old is hoping to emulate her younger sibling and become a major champion.

Brooke Henderson

The formidable Canadian is still only 20-years-old and is always a significant threat in the biggest championships, having won the Women's PGA two years ago. Winner of the Lotte Championship in April, she finished fourth in her most recent start on the LPGA at the Kingsmill.

In Gee Chun 

Winner of this championship in 2015 and the Evian in 2016, the two-time major winner was back to form at the Kingsmill, finishing in a tie for second. The South Korean retains a unique place of her only titles on the LPGA being majors, and a third addition would be welcome for the 23-year-old.

So Yeon Ryu 

The 2011 champion has a superb record in the U.S. Women's Open. She has finished in the top five on four other occasions, including a tie for third last year. The world number six is always a threat for this historic title.

Lydia Ko 

The former world number one and teenage sensation made a welcome return to form earlier this season, picking up her first victory on the LPGA Tour since 2016. With the experience of two major victories behind her, and the confidence gained by that recent success, the New Zealander may just threaten at Shoal Creek.

Lexi Thompson