Lancaster County’s Conestoga River created a bit of a headache for U.S. Women’s Open tournament officials in 2015, the last time Lancaster Country Club hosted the national championship.
Kayakers congregated in a section of the river that separates the bulk of the course from three complete holes. Golfers have to hit over the river on a fourth hole.
“We met with officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission to come up with a plan,” tournament senior manager Sean Kerrigan said. “We can’t keep the kayakers off of the river, but we can keep them from stopping.”
The commission will have officers on the water to make sure kayakers don’t interfere with play.
On No. 3, players hit over the river from an elevated tee box. The area beside the tee box provides a high vantage point for fans to see the action on Nos. 2, 3, 6, 7 and 9.
The terrain is rough, and there isn’t much space. So if you want to watch from that spot, get there early.
You can also cross the river and catch action on Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as hit up a concession stand. The tee box for No. 7 could also come into play if officials decide to move it across the river for one or more rounds.