Ariya Jutanugarn is quickly reminded why it’s called Erin HILLS, hilariously has to take a breather

Ariya Jutanugarn opted to take the road less traveled Saturday during the third round of the U.S. Women’s Open at Erins Hills and promptly discovered why the host course is called Erin HILLS.

The two-time major champion has a 2018 U.S. Women’s Open championship on her resume but that was at Shoal Creek in Alabama, with much flatter terrain. This week is the 13th time she’s played in this major.

Midway through her third round in Wisconsin, Jutanugarn was caught on camera, with putter in hand, walking from a green, up a steep hill to the next tee box. The commentator mentions that there is, in fact, a cart path nearby to make the walk easier, but Jutanugarn did not take that. After a few steps it was clear she was struggling, so rather than continue to struggle, she just plopped down on the ground for some rest.

Jutanugarn’s caddie, David Eller, hoofing it with the heavy bag, had no problem as you can see from the video. Eller was the LPGA’s caddie of the year in 2022 after a successful campaign with Jennifer Kupcho.

Jutanugarn shot 72-69 the first two rounds to make the cut and was struggling with a three-over-par score on the opening nine Saturday in the third round.