They changed tees. Now this hole could decide the US Women's Open

LANCASTER, Pa. – If fans are hoping for a thrilling finish to the US Women's Open, they may be in luck.

When the USGA released course setup details ahead of Sunday's final round, one change stood out above the rest. The 16th hole – a short par-4 surrounded by eight bunkers – will play just 239 yards on the final day of the tournament.

The short par-4 has been played between 340 and 350 yards for the first three days of the tournament, but with the title on the line Sunday, the USGA gives the player a chance to go to the green late in the round.

Lancaster Country Club was a good test for the players through 54 holes in the 79th US Women's Open. The average goal in the first three rounds of the competition was more than four, with only five players having red figures going into Sunday.

While William Flynn's design has provided many challenges so far this week (including taking out the world number 1 in 10), the 16th has been one of the holes that has offered a legitimate birdie opportunity. Through three rounds, the hole played like the fourth easiest hole on the course – and the second easiest on the second hardest ninth. The hole produced 42 birdies in Rounds 1-3, second-most on the inside nine.

In the final round, expect that number to only grow.

With the tee pushed up and the hole playing only 239 yards, every player on the course will have a chance to drive the green from the tee box. As the leaders prepare to head into their final round, the hole is already rated as the easiest on Sunday's course with an average score of 3.6.

There may not be many birdie opportunities at Lancaster Country Club on Sunday afternoons, but the 16th will be one of them. And if one of the contestants is able to take advantage of this opportunity, it could help decide who will write their name on the podium.

Zephyr Melton

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the GOLF team, he attended the University of Texas followed by stints with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists in all disciplines and covers youth and women's golf. He can be reached at [email protected].