Lee, the Australian No. 1, and her rivals are preparing for a perilous week at the famous Olympic club, with the layout of the lakes course which offers no relaxation from the moment the players set off on the 1st hole of 483 meters.

“It’s tough, man. It’s a beast,” said Michelle Wie West, San Francisco local and 2014 champion.

But Lee, who returned to form with a run to the LPGA match play quarterfinals last week in Las Vegas, relishes the challenge and says he likes the course very much.

“The golf course looks a lot like Lake Merced – I won the US Girls there, and I really really love San Francisco in general, so it always excites me to come back and visit,” said the world number 12. at AAP.

“I’m really excited. It’s going to be such a tough week and that’s what makes it the most exciting.

“I feel like I have a good chance. I feel my game is moving in the right direction.

“It’s US Open week, it’s going to be a tiring week. It’s just a major tournament, I think you’re giving yourself a little more pressure to perform.

“I’m really excited. I think it’s anyone’s game right now.”

“The golf course looks a lot like Lake Merced – I won the US Girls there, and I really love San Francisco in general, so it always excites me to come back and visit.” – Minjee Lee

Lee, who plays in a star group alongside former Thailand No.1 and 2018 world champion Ariya Jutanugarn and American Amy Olson, suspects there will be little room for mistakes.

“The rough is really, really thick. I’m not sure you can actually bring it to the greens. It’s just going to be a chip-out, I think,” she said.

“So definitely hitting the fairways… and stealing and obviously putting on every week is crucial.

“I really think the shots in the greens too (are important) which is it.”

The only world No.2 fell from the top 10 after a mostly unrivaled season, but was bolstered by his match play result in his last start.

“Because it was match play, I could really focus on every shot and play it under pressure, so I think it gave me a little bit of confidence, especially reaching the quarterfinals,” Lee said.

“Yeah, it was a pretty solid week.”

Lee is one of five Australians on the pitch, joining the world No.14 Hannah Green – the country’s most recent major champion – with Sarah Kemp, Sarah Jane Smith and Emily Mahar.

The tournament starts early Friday morning (AEST).

– Darren Walton, Australian Associated Press