Inside the Numbers of the U.S. Women's Open Contenders

Experience the breathtaking beauty and challenge of Pebble Beach, where the Pacific Ocean's waves crash against the coastal cliffs, creating a mesmerising backdrop for the game of golf. Known for its awe-inspiring views and demanding layout, Pebble Beach has hosted numerous championship events, including six U.S. Opens. This year, it is making history by hosting the prestigious U.S. Women's Open for the first time.

Some of the best amateurs, rookies, and senior players from around the world are set to take the stage at Pebble today. Who will emerge victorious in the 71st U.S. Women's Open? You can take a guess or analyse the data for a more strategic prediction. After all, the truth often lies within the numbers.

Here are the top five contenders to watch out for this week:

Rose Zhang - A first-year rookie from Stanford, Zhang has been turning heads with her stellar performance, winning her LPGA debut and securing a remarkable T8 finish at the KPMG Championship. Her impressive stats so far include a driving accuracy of 76.79%, greens in regulation at 72.22%, and a putting average of 30.50. 

Jin Young Ko - As the current CME points leader, Ko has already amassed five top-10 finishes, including two wins, in just nine events this year. With experience in the big leagues since 2018, she brings a formidable game to Pebble Beach, boasting a driving accuracy of 78.2%, greens in regulation at 74.7%, and a putting average of 29.58.

Hyo Joo Kim - Ranked 10th in the race to CME points, Kim has had a successful year with five top-10 finishes but is still seeking her first win. Her game is built on accuracy, leading the LPGA in greens in regulation at 75.6% and ranking 4th in driver accuracy at an impressive 85.6%. With a putting average of 29.34, she’s not a player to sleep on this week.  

Nelly Korda - A fan favourite and currently sitting 7th in the CME standings, Korda has enjoyed a strong season with six top-10 finishes in nine events. However, she faced setbacks with missed cuts in her last two tournaments. With a driving accuracy of 75.0%, greens in regulation at 71.9%, and a putting average of 29.22, the question remains if she will break through this week.

Atthaya Thitkul – The Thailand native has been consistent this year, securing seven top-10 finishes in 10 events. With a well-rounded game, she will undoubtedly give her best on one of golf's most challenging courses. Her stats so far include a driving accuracy of 73.9%, greens in regulation at 72.7%, and a putting average of 29.11.

Pebble Beach is notorious for its small greens and tight fairways, making accuracy off the tee and on approach shots crucial. Hyo Joo Kim definitely shines in this regard, with an impressive 85.6% accuracy off the tee and leading the LPGA in greens in regulation percentages. 

Aside from the traditional stats. You can also look at the LPGA players more in-depth with their strokes gained data, giving a better understanding of how their game is compared to the other players in the league. 

For players looking to improve their game, having the right data can be incredibly valuable. Both LPGA and PGA pros use data to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, gaining insights into where they excel or struggle. You too can benefit from data analysis with Arccos, which allows you to evaluate your own personalised strokes gained data, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putting averages, and so much more.