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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Practice rounds are wrapping up at the 2011 U.S. Women's Open. These days leading up to the tournament are a great way for players to get to know the course and for fans to get to know the players.

Hundreds showed up Tuesday for a chance to meet some of their favorites. A few of the players held autograph signings, and defending champion Paula Creamer held a clinic.

"It's just really cool to see like all the different professional golfers and hear what they have to say," Abby Farrell, a young fan, said.

Other fans agreed.

"We always follow the girls, watch them on TV, so it's just fun to be here with them," Mark Wheeler, another fan, said.

Wheeler and his wife traveled from Oklahoma and said they were enjoying the Open and Colorado.

"I love it. I love the coolness, it's like 104 in Oklahoma City," Rigena Wheeler said.

Local fans said it's a great opportunity to get to see amazing golf in their home town.

"It's great to see all these world class players out here. It's a great opportunity for us being to local to see them, and I'm sure it's great for the economy," Carolyn Wood, a local fan, said.

While the fans have enjoyed getting to know the golfers, the golfers said it's been great getting to know their fans as well.

"It's always such a thrill to be able to come somewhere and know that they're are people standing lined up outside the door to just get a few minutes to spend time, and for me to spend time, to sign a piece of paper, a hat, anything, it's very humbling and it's always a wonderful experience," Christina Kim, one of the golfers playing in the tournament, said.

The fans appreciate the women giving them their time.

"They're all so friendly, and it's wonderful that they'll give you your autograph, and they're laughing going up the fairways. It's been a really great day," Phyllis Joslin, a fan from Denver, said.

Practice rounds run through Wednesday, and championship play begins Thursday.