Most of the world's top female golfers were in Northern California on Wednesday (6 July), making their final preparations for this week's U.S. Women's Open at CordeValle.

The U.S Women's Open gets underway this week in Northern California, with the world's top talent gathering for a shot at glory.

Two-time champion Inbee Park is absent through injury, however world number one Lydia Ko will be present.

Ko has been drawn with Brooke Henderson and Lexi Thompson in the most eye-catching group.

Thompson is excited about the pairing.

SOUNDBITE (English): Lexi Thompson, on playing with Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson: "Oh, it's a great pairing. I think I played with Lydia every week at some point. We always make a joke of it. Brooke Henderson has been playing amazing golf, and I think we all saw that coming. She's just an overall great player, no weakness, really, in her game, at all. And Lydia the same. It's great to watch them both on the golf course and their attitudes and just their demeanors on the golf course. They're aggressive players, and just consistent overall. You can't really even find a weakness in their game, and that's why they're so good."

The opening round gets underway on Thursday (7th July).