Parking and Transportation
Complimentary Fan Parking
Tuesday (5/29) to Friday (6/1):
The Church at Brook Hills*
3145 Brook Highland Pkwy
Birmingham, AL 35242
Tuesday to Friday Directions:
From the North or East using I-459 Eastbound & Westbound
Take Exit 19 for US-280 East toward Mountain Brook/Childersburg. Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto US-280 East (signs for Childersburg). Take US-280 East for 3.9 miles then follow signage to General Fan Parking.
From the West using US-280
Follow US-280 West towards Birmingham. Turn right on Cahaba Valley Rd (HWY 119) then follow signage to General Fan Parking.
Saturday (6/2) and Sunday (6/3):
Meadow Brook Corporate Park
300 Corporate Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35242
Saturday and Sunday Directions:
From the North or East using I-459 Eastbound & Westbound
Take Exit 19 for US-280 East toward Mountain Brook/Childersburg. Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto US-280 East (signs for Childersburg). Take US-280 East for 3.7 miles then follow signage to General Fan Parking.
From the West using US-280
Follow US-280 West towards Birmingham. Turn left onto Corporate Parkway then follow signage to General Fan Parking.
Schedule of Events
All times are Central Daylight Time and schedules are subject to change. Starting times will be posted once available at usga.org.
PRACTICE ROUNDS
Players will have the option of starting practice rounds at the 1st or 10th tee. Players electing to play a full round generally begin between 6:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. It is typical for players to be on the golf course or practice areas until at least 7 p.m.
Opening Ceremony
All fans can join local leaders at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29 at the flag pole outside the front of the Shoal Creek clubhouse for the championship opening ceremony.
Junior Day
Junior Day will be held on Saturday, June 2 and is supported by Alabama Power.
The free day of events includes interactive stations to spark interest in various aspects of the game. Young golf enthusiasts can also meet and take pictures with the U.S. Women’s Open trophy.
All juniors will receive a complimentary “scorecard” to track each activity they attend throughout the day, as well as an exclusive U.S. Women’s Open gift. Wednesday’s junior activities start at 8 a.m. and include:
- LPGA-USGA Girls Golf “Play Station” – Kids will have the opportunity to learn or sharpen their golf swing with fun games, including hitting a golf ball into the mouth of a giant hippo
- Learning Science Through Golf Educational Station – This interactive course will teach youngsters the scientific principles that influence the game
- Clinic with U.S. Women's Open competitor and Auburn University product Cydney Clanton.
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS 1 AND 2
Play is scheduled to begin at 6:40 a.m. from both the 1st and 10th tees. The last groups are scheduled to begin play at 2:32 p.m. from both the first and 10th tees.
Thursday, May 31 (first round)
(Gates open at 6:30 a.m. to conclusion of play)
Friday, June 1 (second round)
(Gates open at 6:30 a.m. to conclusion of play)
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS 3 AND 4
The first starting time will be determined by the number of players who make the cut at the conclusion of the second round (60 lowest scorers and anyone tying for 60th place). Generally, the first pairing begins play from the first tee between 8-9 a.m.; the last pairing for both days will start from the first tee approximately 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 2 (third round)
(Gates open one half hour prior to first tee time to conclusion of play)
Sunday, June 3 (fourth round)
(Gates open one half hour prior to first tee time to conclusion of play)
PLAYOFF
If there is a tie for the low score after 72 holes, a two-hole playoff will be held immediately following the conclusion of play of the fourth round.
LIST OF PROHIBITED ITEMS
- No Weapons (regardless of permit, including but not limited to firearms or knives)
- No Explosives and/or Fireworks of any kind
- No Tablets and/or Computers (cellular mobile devices smaller than 7” are permitted, subject to mobile device policy and camera/photography policy)
- No Selfie Sticks
- No Noise-Producing Devices (including portable speakers)
- No Cameras (other than Monday through Wednesday for personal photographic use, subject to mobile device policy and camera/photography policy)
- No Backpacks, Briefcases, Purse and/or Bags larger than 6”W x 6”H x 6”D in their natural state
o Note: Transparent/clear plastic hand and shoulder bags no larger than 12”W x 12”H x 12”D in their natural state.
- No Signs, Posters and/or Banners
- No Food and/or Beverages except for medical or infant needs
- No Containers, Coolers, Aerorsol Cans and/or Spray Bottles except for medical or infant needs
o Note: Personal-care items (3-ounce size or less) and transparent/clear empty plastic water bottles (size 24-ounce or less) are permitted.
- No Pets (other than service animals as defined by the ADA assisting disabled individuals)
- No Lawn Chairs and/or Oversized Chairs with Arms (compact chairs without arms are permitted with no case)
- No Ladders and or Stepstools or other similar items
- No Bicycles allowed inside admission areas or on the championship grounds
- No other items deemed unlawful, dangerous or disruptive by the USGA and/or Championship Security Personnel, in their sole discretion
NOTE: The USGA reserves the right to amend the List of Prohibited Items at any time to provide a safe and secure championship.
JUNIOR TICKETS
Juniors age 18 and under receive complimentary tickets, on any day when accompanied by an adult ticket or credential holder. Junior tickets are always available on-site at Will Call. See information about Junior Day on Wednesday, May 30 in the schedule of events section.
MERCHANDISE
The Merchandise Pavilion will be located in Fan Central as you enter through the Main Admission Gate. A variety of merchandise bearing the U.S. Women’s Open Championship logo will be available for purchase, including: apparel, hats, accessories, and more. For your convenience, a merchandise bag check and shipping service will be located inside the Merchandise Pavilion. Acceptable forms of payment are: U.S. dollars, traveler’s checks, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.
SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE
If you observe the following guidelines, your experience at the U.S. Women’s Open Championship will be more enjoyable one:
- Please stay behind gallery ropes and follow directions of championship marshals at all times.
- Do not cross fairways except at designated crosswalk areas.
- Stay quiet and stand still when players are about to hit or when instructed by marshals.
- All mobile device volume controls must be set to silent or vibrate at all times.
- To ensure your safety at all times, walk carefully and never run.
- The U.S. Women’s Open Championship involves substantial walking on grassy hills, dirt paths and other uneven surfaces. Please wear appropriate footwear such as sneakers.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- To provide protection from the sun, remember to wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Please note that sunscreen in bottles and tubes, 3 ounces or less is permitted. Sunscreen in spray bottles and/or aerosol cans is not permitted.
- Dispose of plastic bottles, aluminum and paper in blue recycle bags.
- Dispose of trash (food, cups, concession ware) in green bags.
- Fans will be subject to expulsion and the loss of ticket privileges for the following breaches of etiquette:
o Making rude, vulgar or other inappropriate comments or gestures.
o Verbal or physical harassment of players, volunteers, officials or fans.
o Distracting a player or any disruption of play.
o Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, unsafe or illegal in nature.
o Failing to follow the instructions of a championship official, volunteer or security personnel.
SERVICES FOR FANS WITH DISABILITIES
The USGA is committed to providing a positive and user-friendly experience for all fans with disabilities and is pleased to provide the following services:
- Accessible parking spaces for all vehicles having appropriate HD/DP license plates or placards will be reserved at all parking locations. Please see parking information for more details.
- Our Disability Services Committee will be on-site to assist fans with disabilities, with multi-person golf cart transportation to and from Disability Services Headquarters and specific viewing locations and facilities throughout the golf course via a fixed route with predetermined stops.
- A number of motorized scooters will be available at the Mobility Scooter Tent, located in Fan Central for fans with disabilities, on a first-come, first-served basis, compliments of the USGA and Pride Mobility.
- Accessible restrooms will be available at portable restroom locations throughout the championship grounds and at corporate facilities.
- Concessions, the merchandise pavilion and fan experience areas will be accessible.
WEATHER
Meteorology staff will be on-site monitoring weather conditions at all times. The USGA will communicate important safety information to fans through special Alerts that will appear on all leaderboards, thru boards and video boards. Please read all Alerts and follow safety instructions. In general, an Alert shown in blue or yellow is being posted for general awareness while orange indicates fans should be prepared to take action. An Alert shown in red poses an imminent threat and will require immediate action as stated in the Alert.
An Advisory (Blue) will be posted to alert fans of changes to the schedule of play or specific weather conditions that will require certain precautions.
A Weather Watch (Yellow) may be posted to alert fans that dangerous weather is possible.
A Weather Warning (Orange) will be posted to alert fans that dangerous weather is approaching and they should be prepared to take shelter to their vehicles
A Weather Warning (Red) may be posted to alert fans that dangerous weather is imminent and they should exit grandstands and take shelter immediately.
A suspension of play for dangerous conditions will be indicated by one prolonged air-horn blast. In the event of a suspension of play, grandstands will be cleared immediately. If lightning is detected, please avoid open areas, hilltops, high places, isolated trees, golf carts and wire fences, and seek shelter immediately. Play will resume as soon as conditions follow.
MOBILE DEVICE POLICY
The USGA encourages fans to capture their favorite moments at our championships and stay connected with family and friends while on-site. We have set guidelines on mobile device usage, to ensure our players and other fans are not unnecessarily distracted or disrupted during the championship. Fans may carry mobile devices smaller than 7” in length and/or height including cellphones and smartphones; however, please make sure all device volume controls are set to “silent” or “vibrate” at all times and flash photography is disabled prior to entering the championship gate.
Phone calls must not be received or placed in any area that may disrupt play including grandstands. Texting and email are permissible throughout all areas of the golf course. Photography, audio, and video recording (but no live streaming) are permitted on course Monday through Wednesday only.
Content may not be used for commercial purposes. Shot-by-shot coverage of any player is not permitted at any time throughout championship week.
Conducting a global championship for the best golfers in the world is our primary focus. Violation of any of the above policies may result in immediate expulsion and loss of ticket privileges for the remainder of the championship.
COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI
To enhance your experience on-site at Shoal Creek, the USGA will offer complimentary Wi-Fi in Fan Central and in grandstands throughout the championship grounds.
EAGLE’S NEST
The Eagle’s Nest is located next to the 15th tee and all guests must be 21 to enter. Eagle’s Nest tickets are needed to access this facility. Upgraded food and beverage are available for purchase at an additional charge.
LEXUS PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Visit the Lexus Performance Experience in Fan Central to take part in state-of-the-art interactive golf experiences, including a photo opportunity with the U.S. Women’s Open Trophy and a putting green interaction. Fans are encouraged to visit throughout the championship for autograph signings with Lexus Golf Ambassadors and to see the first-ever 2018 LSh.
CORPORATE HOSPITALITY
The USGA provides a range of tented facilities for on-site corporate hospitality. Specific tickets are required to gain access into each of the corporate hospitality venues, regardless of age. Junior tickets do not provide access to any of the corporate areas. For information regarding corporate hospitality at future U.S. Women’s Open Championships, please visit usopen.com or contact MSG Promotions, Inc., the USGA’s exclusive corporate hospitality services marketing and management company at 484-223-3295.
WILL CALL
Will Call will be located on-site for fans to purchase tickets, drop off and pick up tickets at Gate 1. Photo identification will be required to pick up tickets left at Will Call. Will Call cannot be accessed by vehicles at any time.
Hours of Operation:
May 28 – June 3
One half-hour prior to first tee time to conclusion of play
VISITOR INFORMATION
Information can be found at the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
AUTOGRAPH POLICY
Fans shall not request a player’s autograph from the time a player is en-route to her first tee until the completion of her round.