FAR HILLS, N.J. (June 28, 2016) – As an elite field of the best female golfers in the world prepares for the ultimate test in women’s golf at the U.S. Women’s Open Championship in California July 4-10, the USGA has set a grand stage for spectators to enjoy the action at stunning CordeValle.

A complete spectator guide has been posted on the Know Before You Go section at www.usga.org/womensopen to assist fans in planning their visit, from practice rounds Monday through Wednesday, July 4-6, to championship rounds Thursday through Sunday, July 7-10. It includes a schedule of events, as well as daily gate opening times.

Access to the 6,784-yard, par-72 course in San Martin can be gained beginning July 4 via the main spectator parking lot, located at 380 Day Road in Gilroy, approximately 4 miles from the championship grounds. Parking is free and complimentary shuttle service will commence a half-hour prior to the opening of the Grand Entrance each day. 

Highlights of the fan experience include:

• Affordable ticket options and family-friendly atmosphere: Tickets start at $20 for practice rounds and $45 for championship rounds; children 17 and under enter free all week. Tickets can be purchased at usga.org/womensopen or at the Grand Entrance Will Call. Upgraded CordeValle Reserve ticket packages are also available, featuring an air-conditioned pavilion and premium food and beverage options.
   
• Junior Day at the U.S. Women’s Open Championship: Youths age 17 and under can meet U.S. Women’s Open players, enjoy a free golf clinic and take advantage of lunch and merchandise discounts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the Wednesday, July 6 practice-round day. 
   
• Lexus Trophy Experience: Located near the Grand Entrance, spectators can have their photo taken with the U.S. Women’s Open Trophy and meet Lexus Golf Ambassadors Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson, as well as professional golfer Juli Inkster.
   
• U.S. Women’s Open Merchandise Pavilion:  A wide variety of championship-logoed items, ranging from apparel to custom artwork to keepsakes such as flags, golf balls and drinkware, will be available for purchase.
   
• Stanford Health Wellness Pavilion: Stanford University athletic trainers and performance coaches will be on hand to conduct free mobility screenings. Geared toward golfers, the screenings focus on flexibility, balance and body symmetry. 
   
• Food and beverage options: With five locations on the championship grounds, concession tents will offer a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, snacks and beverages.
   
• Viewing experience: In addition to strategically placed grandstands that allow fans to see multiple holes and the practice facility from premium vantage points, scoreboards and thru boards will be located around the property. On-site fans can also review live scoring and up-to-the-minute championship updates via usga.org from their approved mobile devices, 7 inches in length or less. 

Security Information

Security checkpoints, similar to those found at other major sporting events and airports, will be located at the general spectator parking lot. Prohibited items include food and beverages, chairs with arms, and video recording devices.

More complete information, including a full list of prohibited items, can be found at usga.org.

Spectator Suggestions

To prepare for a day at the championship, the USGA offers the following recommendations:

• Wear comfortable shoes: The U.S. Women’s Open Championship is conducted on the beautiful, rolling landscape of CordeValle. Expect a day of walking on uneven terrain and plan accordingly. ADA Services are available for patrons with disabilities, including access to motorized scooters.
   
• Bring sunscreen and wear a hat:  Personal-care items, such as sunscreen, cannot be more than 3 oz. in size. 
   
• Measure your bag size: Bags larger than 6” x 6” x 6” in their natural state will not be permitted on the championship grounds, with the exception of clear plastic 12” x 12” x 6” totes, similar to those used at other sporting events.
   
• Stay hydrated, and bring a 24 oz. clear, empty water bottle: You can fill your water bottle at any First Aid station on the property.
   
• Bring your cell phone: Mobile devices that are 7” or smaller are permitted on the championship grounds. Connect to live scoring and video at usga.org. All device volume controls must be set to silent or vibrate at all times. Phone calls cannot be accepted at any time near the golf course, where play may be interrupted.

Photos are permitted Monday through Wednesday only, and social-media posting is encouraged using the hashtag #USWomensOpen. Follow the official U.S. Women’s Open social feeds on Twitter (@usga), Facebook (USGA) or Instagram (@usga). Video recording is not allowed at any time.
 

FOR MEDIA USE ONLY: A HIGH-RESOLUTION MAP AND PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP CAN BE DOWNLOADED USING THE FOLLOWING LINK:  U.S. Women's Open Championship Lightbox

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Media Contact: Janeen Driscoll (jdriscoll@usga.org)