Our US Women's Open correspondent, Nisha Sadekar, checks in from the Saucon Valley.

by NISHA SADEKAR

BETHLEHEM, PA --

Today was a perfect day.  Women's golf is alive and well.  You wouldn't even sniff problems circulating within the LPGA.   Despite the drama that in regards to Commissioner Carolyn Bivens' confirmed exit, these young stars have come to play.

There were a ton of fans out and about on Thursday enjoying the opening round excitement.  This week is all about the USGA and finding a 2010 US Women's Open Champion.   And so what if Wie and Gulbis aren't here?  There are 144 talented women from across the globe who are.  The course is playing tough and long.  Being on the "right" side of the green is going to make all the difference from what I can see.

There are smiles and embraces from the practice range to the first tee.  Fans shaking hands with players, telling them how they've been following their careers from a young age.  Large huddles of people surround the putting greens - whispering and pointing at their favorite players.  

It has been a while since I've been to a women's major and it feels great!

While following Play Golf Designs professional (and golf beauty) Nicole Hage, I met two young men that are huge fans of golf.   Ryan Sensenig, 26, and Nick Oatman, 21, both caddies at Lancaster CC, drove an hour and a half to get to see the ladies tee it up.  They were following Paula Creamer in the morning wave and happened to catch a glimpse of Hage in the fairway and made their way over.  Hage looked stunning in her PAHR 72 attire; a fitted and frilly skirt with matching frilly top.  They walked with our posse of family, friends and fans and cheered her on.

Sensenig noted that Pennsylvania is quite the "golf hot spot."

"So many people play golf around here," says Sensenig.  "There are so many amazing top 100 clubs within an hour from here."

Within travel time of 30 minutes to 5 hours of Saucon Valley, other Pennsylvania courses will be hosting several significant tournaments.  Of course, the 2010 US Women's Open will be held at Oakmont, ouside of Pittsburgh.  The Philly area will host Tiger's AT&T National at Aronimink in 2010 & '11.  It was also feature Merion for the '13 Open.  The US Women's Open will also be in Pennsylvania in 2015 at Lancaster CC.

It's clear that the USGA loves Pennsylvania and has committed to it for their championships in the future!