7th U.S. Senior Women's Open tees off in Chula Vista

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A golf major has returned to the San Diego area.

The seventh annual U.S. Senior Women's Open takes over San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista this weekend, welcoming a field of 120 players, six World Golf Hall of Famers and five past champions.

"I think it's such a rare opportunity to have so many legends of the ladies' golf game here in town," said Chuck Merriman, the Chief Operating Officer at the San Diego Country Club. "It's a great opportunity to come out, enjoy the weather and enjoy some great golf."

Amongst the field is 10-time LPGA Major Champion Annika Sorenstam, who last won this event back in 2021.

"It's the first time I'm seeing San Diego Country Club, it's beautiful," said Sorenstam. "The course is in good shape for this championship, and I'm really looking forward to the week."

It’s also home cooking for the reigning champion, Carlsbad High School Alum Leta Lindley.

"I can't believe it, I played my very first tournament down the road at Balboa Park," said Lindley. "I remember finishing in third and not getting a trophy. To think I'm returning 43 years later, having won the biggest trophy of my career, is special."

The winner of the tournament also receives automatic entry into the 2026 U.S. Women's Open held at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

"I'd obviously love to play well here, I feel like my game is pretty good," continued Sorenstam, who last played competitively at the American Century Championship held in Lake Tahoe in July, finishing seventh overall.

"Certainly, you're going to have to be under par," added Lindley. "How many under par remains to be seen. I'm really just trying to take it one shot at a time and add it up at the end to see where it all falls."

Prior to winning it all last year, Lindley finished in second place at the U.S. Senior Women's Open in 2022 and 2023.