Feeling a sense of accomplishment.

By John Patota, Pinehurst, June 10, 2022

Last week, I found out that my US Women's Open photography media credentials included access to the entire grounds of the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, except inside the ropes. That’s when I started planing a way to capture the trophy ceremony from a unique angle - without being caught up in gaggle of photographers on the 18th green.

Then, I thought of the way John Gessner captured the trophy ceremony back in 2014 for the US Women’s Open in Pinehurst. If you haven’t seen the photo, it hangs on the wall of the Pinehurst Club House with others from the final Sunday.

John’s photo shows Michelle Wi West hoisting the trophy in front of dozens of photographers and a crowded grandstand. It’s one of my favorites.

So after 6 long days last week at Pine Needles coving the US Women’s Open, I felt a great sense of accomplishment that I was in position when the final group came in to get the ‘John Gessner shot’.

I was lucky that the winner, Minjee Lee, turned around and faced in the direction where I was standing together with fans in the 18th fairway.

That’s why I had to print the photo. It will be in my office to remind me of that entire week leading up to the split second that my shutter opened to capture the moment.

All photos taken at 1/1250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000 on Nikon Z7 with Sigma 150-600 mm lens.

Minjee Lee raises the trophy after winning the 77th US Women's Open.

Minjee Lee receives the gold metal from USGA CEO Michael Whan on the 18th Green of the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club.

The Pine Needles Lodge and Gold Club grounds crew are recognized during the US Women's Open award ceremony.

Ingrid Lindblad accepts the award for low amateur from USGA President J Stuart Francis.

Friends of Minjee Lee celebrate her win at the 2022 US Women's Open on the 18th green of the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club.