Sebonack to host 2013 U.S. Women's Open

EDINA, Minnesota (Reuters) - The 2013 U.S. Women's Open will be played at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, New York, the United States Golf Association said on Wednesday.

It will be the first time the tournament has been staged on Long Island and the first U.S. Women's Open in New York state since 1973 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck.

"We are very proud to host this national championship," Sebonack's owner, Michael Pascucci, said in a statement.

"We believe the combination of the natural beauty and challenge of Sebonack, together with the world's greatest female golfers, will make for a lot of excitement in an area rich with a history of championship golf."

Sebonack Golf Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak and opened in 2006.

The U.S. Women's Open, the third women's major of the year, is being played this week at Interlachen Country Club where American Cristie Kerr is defending champion.

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Derek Parr)