The Pros Play Blackhawk

Professional women’s golf has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, thanks to a cadre of hot, young stars who are taking the sport by storm. You can see how they did it this month, when the world’s best golf gals face off at Blackhawk Country Club for the only Northern California LPGA tournament this season.

Among the players to watch are 20-year-old Paula Creamer (pictured), the Pleasanton native who was the second-highest-paid female golfer in 2005; Michelle Wie, the 16-year-old who has been compared to Tiger Woods for her meteoric rise in the golf world; and Natalie Gulbis, a 23-year-old blond bombshell who released her own swimsuit calendar and posed in FHM.

The tournament used to be held in Sacramento but moved to Blackhawk this year to be closer to corporate sponsor Longs Drugs. Tournament officials expect 60,000 spectators to attend—and Diablo can help you get there with two free passes. Just tell us your favorite East Bay golf course and why you love it. Send your answer in an e-mail to contest@maildiablo.com, with "LPGA" in the subject line.

LPGA Longs Drugs Challenge, September 21–24, Blackhawk Country Club, Danville. $15 single-day tickets are available at participating Longs locations; full-tournament tickets cost $50–$100. www.longsdrugschallenge.com .