The top 6 contenders to win the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open

For the first time since 1973, the U.S. Women's Open will be contested in New York. More specifically, Sebonack on Long Island (in the Hamptons) will be the site for the third major on the LPGA Tour calendar.

Na Yeon Choi is the defending champion, taking the crown last year in Kohler, Wis., at Blackwolf Run. But she's not the favorite heading into the first true major foray for the Tom Doak-Jack Nicklaus dual-designed club.

Here are the six players to watch for at the U.S. Women's Open.

1. In-Bee Park: Park, who is the No. 1 player in the Rolex Rankings, already has five wins this season, including the first two majors of the year. Park is looking to become the first player since Pat Bradley in 1986 to win three majors in a season.

2. Stacy Lewis: Lewis has been eclipsed by Park as the LPGA Tour's top player, but the world No. 2 has enjoyed a solid season already with a couple of wins. She's also the last American to win a major, taking the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship.

3. Cristie Kerr: Kerr, who has a pad in Manhattan and knows the owner of Sebonack, is calling this a practical home game. It's been six years since Kerr finally won her major at the U.S. Women's Open at Pine Needles, but she handles this championship as well as anyone. She also won at Kingsmill in May.

4. Paula Creamer: The Pink Panther has not been playing her best golf, but she can claim the U.S. Women's Open as her lone major. She won at treacherous Oakmont in 2010, known for its slippery greens. The Sebonack surfaces will be tough to learn, so Creamer spent a practice round walking the course with co-designer Tom Doak. Good thinking.

5. Suzann Pettersen: The Norwegian hasn't won a major in six years, since her only one at the LPGA Championship. She's knocked on the door twice this season, however, finishing T-3 in both majors played already.

6. Na Yeon Choi: The defending champion is yet to win this season on the LPGA Tour, but NYC has been lurking with decent finishes of late, including a T-9 effort at the Wegmans LPGA Championship.