Cherry Hills viewers guides and media outlets suggest that spectators at the 60th U.S. Women’s Open trek over to the grandstand between the No. 5 green and No. 6 tee box for the best vantage point on the golf course. From there, fans also can keep track of the No. 11 green and No. 13 tee box, depending on how fast
their heads can swivel.
That’s excellent advice. But for our money, the prime spot is just outside the ropes halfway down the 18th fairway.
Watch the LPGA Tour’s finest try to blister
their tee shots without knocking
them into the lake. A good drive on the
459-yard finishing hole is a must if players
are to reach the green on the uphill
par 4 with their second shot. From that
lookout point along the fairway, a pair of
binoculars will enable you to watch the
nervy approaches to the island green of
the par-5 17th, infamous in golf lore for
ending Ben Hogan’s chances in the 1960
U.S. Open when he spun his third shot
into the moat.
And with a backdrop of snow-capped
peaks, the panorama is pretty as a postcard.
As an added bonus, several shade
trees hang over the ropes along the 18th
fairway. All that’s missing is a hammock
and pink lemonade.
Daily tickets to the first major
women’s golf championship held in the
metro area are $35. They’re available by
calling the championship ticket office at
877-325-GOLF, placing an order online at
www.2005uswomensopen.com or at King
Soopers locations.
Head over to that secret spot along the
fairway at 18 and keep your eyes open for
something unusual. While playing his
final hole at the 1993 U.S. Senior Open at
Cherry Hills, Arnold Palmer became
startled by a splash in the lake as he
lined up his approach shot. Palmer
turned and spotted a pelican, which had
dropped a fish just offshore and not
more than 20 yards away. Call it a salute
to Arnie. Perhaps this weekend, a pelican
will offer Annika Sorenstam a salute as
well.
