This was more about the setting – the U.S Women's Open, the most prestigious championship in women's golf being played for the first time at Pebble Beach which is among the most recognisable golf courses in the world.

"I think when casual viewers of golf tune in and see that the U.S Women's Open is at Pebble Beach, it's like, 'Oh, this is something I need to pay attention to.' Because even the casual sports or golf fan knows Pebble Beach," Australia's two-time U.S Women’s Open champion Karrie Webb said.

It all starts to unfold Thursday (Friday AEST) on the course expected to deliver the whole experience. Blustery conditions – particularly on the weekend – will add to what already is regarded as the stiffest challenge in golf.

The USGA announced Wednesday the prize money is increasing to a record $US11 million ($A17m), with the winner getting $US2 million ($A3m), matching the most significant payoff in women's golf.

Sorenstam – a three-time U.S Open champion – is likely playing for the last time. She was offered a special exemption from the USGA and thought about turning it down, except that it's at Pebble Beach, and the Swede wanted to take advantage of this slice of history.

The views aren't bad, either.

"Just walking around here, I think the camera literally came out on every hole. It's a photo op here, photo op there with family and friends coming around and watching, and I've enjoyed every step," Sorenstam said.

There is also youth everywhere Sorenstam looks. Ruoning Yin of China is only 20 and already a major champion, winning at Baltusrol two weeks ago in the KPMG Women's PGA Championship.

However, the 20-year-old getting all the attention this week is Zhang, who accomplished more in two years at Stanford University than most do in four. She won back-to-back NCAA titles, the U.S Women's Amateur and the Augusta National Women's Amateur, among her 12 victories in just 20 events.

Zhang won her first tournament as a pro last month at Liberty National. And she has a little experience at Pebble Beach, setting the course record of 63 last September when Stanford played in the Carmel Cup.

"She has just literally won everything you can win, so the pressure is there; everybody is looking at her," Sorenstam said.

"And then to go out and win her first event on the LPGA, it just doesn't get much better than that. I think the attention is there; well deserved. And I think she's going to bring a lot to the game, there's no doubt."

"Just walking around here, I think the camera literally came out on every hole. It's a photo op here, photo op there with family and friends coming around and watching, and I've enjoyed every step." - Annika Sorenstam 

South Korea's Jin Young Ko, who holds the record for being No.1 in the women's world ranking for the most weeks (159), was so excited to play Pebble Beach that she arrived a week ago to practise.

Juli Inkster has been at Pebble all week as the USGA has celebrated its past champions. The American has won two U.S Women's Open and three straight U.S Women's Amateurs.

"I think the women deserve this, to be able to play these iconic golf courses and have their games challenged just like the men," Inkster said.

"Playing Pebble Beach, the history that has come through here on the men's side with Tom Watson chipping in and (Jack) Nicklaus and Tiger (Woods), it's going to be great to have a woman have those memories, also."