Young female golfers watch U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills

TOWN OF ERIN, Wis. -- With the U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills Golf Course from May 29-June 1, families from across the country are bringing young athletes to watch the competition. 

Grace, Olivia and Ellie Kim came with their parents from the Waukesha area to see some of their favorite golfers. 

“I just wanted to see all the people I’ve seen on screen that motivated us to start playing golf," Grace Kim said. “It’s a really exciting moment for us.”

“I want to like, try to be like them," Olivia Kim said, referring to the golfers that signed a hat she brought to the tournament. 

"They were super nice too, and they were really pretty too," 9-year-old Ellie Kim said.

Organizers were expecting around 50,000 people to make their way to the course and the surrounding area during the four days of the competition.

Parents who brought their children to watch the U.S. Women's Open said they hoped this event inspired their children beyond the green. 

“She’s an avid golfer and we wanted to have her be able to see what it’s like to see the big girls golf and know that if she keeps up with it, she could be here one day," Sarah Leffel said, referencing her daughter. 

The event is expected to impact the economy by $20 million, according to USGA staff members.