2022 U.S. Women’s Open Preview: Power Rankings, Prize Money, Defending Champion, Host Venue, and More

The 2022 US Women’s Open is all set to begin on June 2nd. As one of the five major championships, this is one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf. Hence, competing and winning this USGA event is a historic feat by all standards.

That being said, the competition and strength of the field are incredible. Fans will see some top golfers from the world competing in this event. Given it is the best of the best going up against each other, making a prediction for the same is no straightforward task. But one thing that we can be sure of is the quality of golf we will witness over four days from June 2nd.

Undoubtedly, selecting the top picks for this major championship is not easy. However, given the strength of the field and the recent form of a few players, here are our top five picks who we feel can win the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. 

Top five picks to win the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open

5. Lexi Thompson – Lexi is one of the most promising golfers on the LPGA Tour right now. However, she has underperformed in her career so far. Even though she hasn’t won an event since 2019, this could well be the event where she finally crosses the finish line. 

4. Yoka Saso – The Japanese golfer is the defending champion of this major championship. She won the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, which is the only win of her career so far. However, she had a decent ANA Inspiration this year, where she finished T17 for the event. 

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3. In Bee Park – The South Korean women’s golfer is one of the best when it comes to her game on the greens. And this is one of the primary requirements for major events. Notably, In Bee has already won this major event twice in her career.

2. Lydia Ko – The Kiwi golfer is in great form as she won the Gainbridge LPGA earlier this year. She has won two major events in her career so far, and this could well be the week where she adds another major trophy to her cabinet. 

1. Jin Young Ko – Jin Young Ko is the favorite golfer this week to lift the trophy. She recently won the HSBC Women’s Champions in March. Therefore, given the form and her gameplay, Ko is the favorite to win the U.S. Women’s Open for the first time. 

Prize money for the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open

The prize money for the 2022 US Women’s Open is set for a whopping $10 million. They have increased the prize money this year by around $4.5 million, and by 2026, the prize money is set to increase to $12 million. Additionally, the winner of this event will receive $1.8 million, which is incredible for the growth of women’s golf. 

Venue and defending champion of this event

The 2022 U.S. Women’s Open is all set to begin on June 2nd at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club. And this is the same golf course where Annika Sorenstam won the 1996 U.S. Women’s Open. Currently, the defending champion of this event is Yuka Saso in the playoffs at the Lake Course. 

Will she reign supreme yet again or will we have a new winner this year? Let us know in the comments section below. 

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