U.S. Women's Open this week

FYI, golf fans, there is a major championship being conducted this week. How many of you knew that?

Here's some basic facts and info. (You probably wont' get too much from your local newspaper.)

For all the really good scoop go to the USGA Women's Open website site.

WHERE: Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, PA
Yes, you have heard of it before. Of the five USGA tournaments held here the two most recent are U.S. Senior Opens in 1992 and 2000.

WHEN: Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12.

FORMAT: It's 72 holes of stroke play and the winner gets a big cup and a nice check. If there's a tie, the USGA has deemed that it will be broken by a three-hole playoff. Used to be an 18-hole playoff just like the men, but the USGA changed that in the interest of expense and television. At least they didn't go to a hole-by-hole sudden death format.

TV: ESPN July 9 and 10, 2 PM – 6 PM EDT; NBC July 11 and 12, 3 PM – 6 PM EDT. ESPN2 also has a preview on July 8 from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. It's interesting to note that ESPN is providing more coverage for the first two rounds than NBC is for the final two rounds.

WHO: All the big names in women's golf – with the exception of Michelle Wie and Natalie Gulbis. They both failed in the qualifying rounds and the USGA can't (and won't) do anything about it. As a result two of the more recognizable names to U.S. golf fans will not be recognized.

DEFENDER: Inbee Park from Korea who became the youngest champion in the history of the event.