As the first round of the 78th U.S. Women's Open gets underway, 16 Epson Tour members will take to the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links to try and take home their share of the $11,000,000 purse. The U.S. Women's Open makes its return to Pebble Beach for the first time since 1951, and regardless of how many majors or U.S. Women's Opens the field has played in, everyone is experiencing a new challenge for the first time, the most demanding test in women's golf, on one of the biggest stages in sports. Each Epson Tour member who qualified for this year's U.S. Women's Open has a unique experience of how they got there. They have seen the course at this level several times from their male counterparts, but now it is time to make their mark at Pebble Beach. The experiences and history are not lost on the athletes this week, as they share how much it means to them to play at this venue.

Players making their first U.S. Women's Open appearance:

Jaravee Boonchant, Milagros Chaves, Joy Chou, Brooke Matthews, Laura Sluman, Teresa Toscano, Therese Warner, Dewi Weber

Therese Warner on her first U.S. Women's Open and first major championship:

"It feels incredible to be playing in a major this week. This is my first U.S. Women's Open and major; having it take place at such an iconic golf course, especially since this is the first U.S. Women's Open at Pebble since 1951, makes the week even more special."

Joy Chou on getting in last minute as an alternate:

"It is a very special week for me! Being added to the field last minute Sunday night and getting on the plane to get here and get everything settled, I'm just grateful and lucky to be here. Playing in the Open is something I always dreamed of and looked forward to since I started playing golf. Especially being at Pebble Beach this year, there's nothing better you can ask for!"

Players in their 2nd or 3rd U.S. Women's Open:

Dottie Ardina (3rd), Jenny Coleman (3rd), Amelia Garvey (3rd), Charlotte Thomas (2nd), Beatrice Wallin (2nd)

Amelia Garvey on getting to play the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach:

"I'm so excited for this week, a U.S. Women's Open is always special, but to be playing at such an iconic venue, it feels surreal. I know most of the holes quite well just having watched the men play it and having grown up playing it on PlayStation. It's going to be a fun test of golf, and I can't wait to get out there come Thursday."

Beatrice Wallin on her second U.S. Women's Open appearance:

"I'm really excited to be here and be able to play with the best players in the world. To be able to play a major championship at Pebble Beach is so cool to me because of all the history it has around it. I'm looking forward to having a great week."

Players with 4+ years of U.S. Open experience:

Lindy Duncan (5th), Gabriela Ruffels (4th), Jing Yan (6th)

Gabriela Ruffels on how much this week's U.S. Women's Open means:

"It's super special to be playing in the first U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach since 1951. It's been such an iconic venue for the men in past years, and it's going to be great to see the women take on this course. It's one of my favorite courses and spots in the U.S., and I have enjoyed the week so far. I'm excited to get it going on Thursday!"

Epson Tour Athletes First Experiences at Pebble Beach

Related Articles