The 2012 U.S. Women's Open on the Blackwolf Run composite course at the American Club promises to generate excitement in Kohler, Wisconsin

The 2012 U.S. Women’s Open – without a doubt, the biggest women’s golf event of the year – returns to Blackwolf Run at The American Club for what will be a special weekend.

The timing couldn’t be better. The charming village of Kohler, Wis., is celebrating its 100th anniversary with several special events and concerts. Coinciding with annual Fourth of July fireworks, there will be plenty to see and do.

There should be plenty of fireworks on the golf course, too. Blackwolf Run’s composite championship course - featuring nine holes from the Meadows Valley and nine holes from the River course – should be ready to rise to the occasion (The photo above is courtesy the U.S. Women’s Open website). It was closed for nearly two years during a renovation to add new grasses, new sand and contouring in all the bunkers. This grand stage – comprised of holes 10-18 of the Meadow Valleys Course and holes 1-4 and 14-18 of the River Course - was introduced in the 1998 U.S. Women’s Open, won by Se Ri Pak. Her historic victory marked the beginning of the boom of South Korean players who now dominate the Tour. Thirty six South Koreans currently rank in the world top 100. They have won three of the last four U.S. Opens.

Women’s golf hasn’t been on the radar much in America lately, an unwanted byproduct of this cultural shift. The LPGA Tour still lacks a consistent presence on TV in America and many of its early season tournaments are abroad. Unfortunately, America’s best players – specifically Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer – haven’t exactly been crashing leader boards, either.

For those of you interested in watching, NBC and ESPN will broadcast more than 15 hours of live coverage. Between this tournament – and a hot Tiger Woods playing in the Greenbrier Classic for the first time – there will be plenty of good golf on the tube this patriotic weekend.

The American Club has worked hard to promote the event. Nobody does first-class like resort owner Herb Kohler and his dedicated staff. They’ve been producing great “Inside the Ropes” player videos on-line and worked hard to ensure a great tournament for fans and players alike. Let’s hope the Stars and Stripes can get it going this weekend for a special performance in a special place.