Eyes of the world on Kohler, WI for U.S. Women's Open

KOHLER -- The finest female golfers in the world are coming to Kohler, Wisconsin for this week's U.S. Women's Open and the eyes of the world will be on Blackwolf Run Golf Course. In the meantime, it's finishing touches time at Blackwolf Run Golf Course.

"We're doing final touches for the construction -- putting up the hospitality tents, the skyboxes, merchandise tent, grandstands -- all the areas that will be spectator experience," U.S. Women's Open Chairman Jim Richerson said.

The home of the 2012 U.S. Women's Open closed on Friday, June 29th, but still had golfers rolling through the week before, as organizers tied up all the loose ends.

"We're going to look at it from a spectators' standpoint and what can we do to improve it? What can we do to make sure that anyone who comes to the event is going to have a memorable time," Richerson said.

Being prepared for the elements of the event will also ensure spectators enjoy all the Open has to offer.

"It is in the middle of summer. We tell people to make sure they wear sunscreen and appropriate attire -- comfortable clothing. You might want to wear a hat and bring sunglasses. We definitely recommend golf shoes and if you don't have them, very athletic, comfortable shoes because you're probably going to be doing some walking," Richerson said.

If someone chooses to follow a certain golfer, they'll likely end up doing a lot of walking. A trip around the run will rack up more than four miles.

It's not just the spectators, the golfers and their families, or even the 2,000 volunteers that organizers hope will walk away satisfied. The 2012 U.S. Women's Open will be broadcast in 80 countries, so it's important that the beauty, the hospitality and the whole experience is interpreted and translated to an international audience.

"To handle something like that, luckily we've got a lot of support, so the good thing is, I don't have to do all the work myself, and our team doesn't have to do all the work. We do get to enjoy a little bit of it, but we do want to make sure that the spectators have a great experience," Richerson said.

The work will continue through "tournament week."