Apr
27
Sorenstam fired up for Ginn Open but Ochoa and Pressel's putter may get in the way
LPGA followers now know one thing about Annika Sorenstam that we may not have known previously, that is she’s human! Whew, what a relief! I was beginning to think she was an alien like Tiger Woods but now I’m certain that she is susceptible to bumps in the road like most professional golfers.
I think it’s important for great players like Annika to have a bad day if only for one reason. It brings them back into reality. Not one of these golfers is safe from defeat, not even from players who don’t seem to offer a threat, like Sung Ah Yim. Yim quietly went about her business on Sunday at the Florida’s Natural tournament becoming more confident with every passing stroke as Sorenstam seemed to wilt under the pressure, duress which she hasn’t felt in quite some time.
Although the event wasn’t televised, the remarks which came from the Swede told the whole story of her miserable experience that Sunday. “I was just very inconsistent, which I think is unlike me. I feel obviously, very, very disappointed.”
But the mark of a true champion is one who grinds it out until the end thinking that there may be a slim chance that a heroic effort is made. As Karrie Webb stated, “Like I learned at Nabisco, it’s never over ‘til it’s over. I just wanted to hang around and see if I had a chance.”
And so begins another week on the LPGA Tour. An inaugural event, Ginn Club & Resorts Open is appearing both on The Golf Channel as well as on CBS television over the weekend. Finally a televised event, and on network! The $2.5 million purse is strong with $375,000 going to the victor and the top golfers are ready to put on a show.
For this week, Annika will be competing in her “adopted” hometown of Orlando. She has even formed a unique relationship with the Ginn Company and will be setting up a golf academy at Reunion combining “golf training with fitness” as Sorenstam stated this week.
I’ll bet the final field will all be feeling a bit more confident knowing that the world’s number-one female golfer choked on Sunday. Lorena Ochoa, for one, is gaining confidence with every passing week. With four top-four finishes in six starts and nine out of twenty rounds in the sixties I think Ochoa is the girl to beat whenever she’s in the field. As she assertively declared this week, “I know I can win any tournament I play.”
Morgan Pressel will try not allow the pressure of the week to get to her and has been working on her putting which was “pretty atrocious” last week. She went with a new putter which didn’t work for her and now has switched to “a two ball, but now with a new prototype, the same one that Phil Mickelson used to win The Masters".
But rest assured that Annika is heading into this tournament with purpose, that is, to regain her momentum. One blip on the radar has brought Sorenstam back to earth and she’s ready to take care of business. As Annika stated, “this just gives me a little bit more fire and maybe that’s what I need for the rest of the season.”
28 comments
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
Ochoa is -5 for the first half of her 1st round.
Ochoa is currently the form player on the lpga tour.
She will be a clear number 2 this season, leaving Creamer well behind her.
Creamer has started just as well, but she has been suffering from 3rd round blues so far this season, and I don't expect that to change too soon.
Ochoa is currently the form player on the lpga tour.
She will be a clear number 2 this season, leaving Creamer well behind her.
Creamer has started just as well, but she has been suffering from 3rd round blues so far this season, and I don't expect that to change too soon.
2006-04-27 @ 12:50
Comment from: HC2 [Visitor]
Big Weasy aint' playing so not many folks care about this tournament inspite of the big purse.
2006-04-27 @ 17:56
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor]
The LPGA has at least one super fan - ME!
Although I like watching Michelle Wie play golf, if she were the only reason I watched a tournament, I would only watch eight...I mean, arent those the number of sponsor's exemption's she's receiving?
Although I like watching Michelle Wie play golf, if she were the only reason I watched a tournament, I would only watch eight...I mean, arent those the number of sponsor's exemption's she's receiving?
2006-04-27 @ 18:13
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
Stacey,
8 is the maximum number of tournaments she can play in.
However it is wrong to say that she is receiving 8 sponsors exemptions.
She has actually qualified for some of those events.
For example she has qualified for the lpga championships and the British Womens Open due to her performance at those events last time round.
8 is the maximum number of tournaments she can play in.
However it is wrong to say that she is receiving 8 sponsors exemptions.
She has actually qualified for some of those events.
For example she has qualified for the lpga championships and the British Womens Open due to her performance at those events last time round.
2006-04-28 @ 09:03
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor]
Thanks for the heads-up. Michelle Wie DID qualify for those 2 majors and I really hope she does well in them.
My point was that, even if Wie wasn't in these tournaments, there are plenty of great LPGA golfers to watch this week.
Just look at the great golf from the latest phenom, Dakota Dowd! The 13-year-old did both herself and her mother proud!
My point was that, even if Wie wasn't in these tournaments, there are plenty of great LPGA golfers to watch this week.
Just look at the great golf from the latest phenom, Dakota Dowd! The 13-year-old did both herself and her mother proud!
2006-04-28 @ 09:12
Comment from: putt4par [Visitor]
I agree with you Stacy. With all the new and young ladies coming into the ranks of the LPGA, there is an excitement that was missing for a few years.
Watching Webb and Inkster win was just icing to some excellent golf.
Michelle is great but the tour is fun to watch anytime.
Watching Webb and Inkster win was just icing to some excellent golf.
Michelle is great but the tour is fun to watch anytime.
2006-04-28 @ 14:33
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
I agree, I enjoy watching the tour, even when Wie isn't there.
This tournament I found extremely interesting. There are so many stories from just the first 2 rounds.
* Ochoa made a triple bogey and is still in 2nd position.
* Paula Creamer had an excellent start but faltered. In round 2, she had a triple bogie. She shot 78 following her first round 69. What happened to her? She has been doing this in every tournament. Has she lost her confidence. She just hasn't been able to put decent rounds together.
* Then there is Morgan Pressel. She has been disappointing of late, and she had a triple bogey and 2 double bogeys. I thought the reigning Amateur Champion would be doing better.
* Ai Miyazato is getting to grips with the tour. She has been steadily improving over the season and is well in contention.
* Lorena Ochoa is amazing. She is producing the goods in every tournament.
* Then there is the old guard like Inkster and Webb. Webb isn't quite so old, but their recent wins have been good for women's golf.
All that, and without mentioning Wie, so yes Stacy there is plenty to talk about in womens golf.
This tournament I found extremely interesting. There are so many stories from just the first 2 rounds.
* Ochoa made a triple bogey and is still in 2nd position.
* Paula Creamer had an excellent start but faltered. In round 2, she had a triple bogie. She shot 78 following her first round 69. What happened to her? She has been doing this in every tournament. Has she lost her confidence. She just hasn't been able to put decent rounds together.
* Then there is Morgan Pressel. She has been disappointing of late, and she had a triple bogey and 2 double bogeys. I thought the reigning Amateur Champion would be doing better.
* Ai Miyazato is getting to grips with the tour. She has been steadily improving over the season and is well in contention.
* Lorena Ochoa is amazing. She is producing the goods in every tournament.
* Then there is the old guard like Inkster and Webb. Webb isn't quite so old, but their recent wins have been good for women's golf.
All that, and without mentioning Wie, so yes Stacy there is plenty to talk about in womens golf.
2006-04-28 @ 19:15
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
Michelle can get up to 6 exemptions--and the US and British Opens don't count. The rules require her to qualify for an invitation to the Kraft and the LPGA--but they still count against the 6 exemptions.
2006-04-28 @ 19:58
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
The lpga should change its rules as follows:
- if a player has a top 5 finish in any major, they should be exempt for the next 4 majors, whether an lpga member or not.
- if a player wins a major they should be exempt from all majors for 5 years, whether an lpga member or not.
- if a non-lpga player qualifies for an lpga tournament, that should not be counted as an exemption.
So if Michelle Wie qualified for all 4 majors, she should still have 6 other possible exemptions.
Also if she were to qualify her way back into those events for the following year, they shouldn't be counted against her exemptions.
- if a player has a top 5 finish in any major, they should be exempt for the next 4 majors, whether an lpga member or not.
- if a player wins a major they should be exempt from all majors for 5 years, whether an lpga member or not.
- if a non-lpga player qualifies for an lpga tournament, that should not be counted as an exemption.
So if Michelle Wie qualified for all 4 majors, she should still have 6 other possible exemptions.
Also if she were to qualify her way back into those events for the following year, they shouldn't be counted against her exemptions.
2006-04-28 @ 20:10
Comment from: Maggy [Visitor]
So...Pressel, perhaps it's time for her to EAT some of her rude, obnoxious comments regarding others on the tour!! Wonder how many boxes of kleenex it took to clean up her act today? What, no interviews with the big red swollen eyes?
2006-04-28 @ 22:32
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
No. It's time to give Morgan Pressel the same courtesy that any athlete should receive in such a situation. She has been having a very good rookie year--but perhaps expectations were too high, and perhaps she has been putting too much pressure on herself. One side effect ,though. This should take some of the pressure off Michelle Wie when she tries to make the cut against the men next week in Korea.
2006-04-28 @ 23:13
Comment from: jay z [Visitor]
It looks like morgan isn't same player after her duel against wie at fields open. she had 60th finish at safeway and now dreadful MC. Also I wonder whether she is losing confidence after paired against big bombers like wie and ochoa. I guess she is realizing she isn't playing against maru martinezs of the world.
2006-04-29 @ 00:03
Comment from: Jon [Visitor]
Now, we get to see what Pressel is made of. If she is a true champion and a competitor, she will fight back from a bad tournament. She has the talent and tools to succeed in the LPGA. I agree with Jay Z that the LPGA isn't as easy as Pressel perhaps thought, and she probasbly realizes that there are tons of hungry, talented youth, like Dakota Dowd, clipping at her young heels. Annika has been facing down every new, hot shots comming into her tour for over a decade.
2006-04-29 @ 00:52
Comment from: John Neal [Visitor]
Give Morgan a pass on this one.
The Dakoda Dowd story is too close to the Morgan Pressel story for the sight of Dakoda and her mom not to take Morgan's mind off the game at hand. Golf is a game of focus, and you can't focus when you keep looking in the gallery for a face that will never be there again.
The old Morgan will be back next time.
The Dakoda Dowd story is too close to the Morgan Pressel story for the sight of Dakoda and her mom not to take Morgan's mind off the game at hand. Golf is a game of focus, and you can't focus when you keep looking in the gallery for a face that will never be there again.
The old Morgan will be back next time.
2006-04-29 @ 01:08
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
Every golfer of worth has a bad day or run at some time or another. Morgan is a spunky kid and she will rebound from this just fine. There is nothing worse than to show up on the first tee and discover you left your swing at home that day.
It happens, it is just another learning experience and there will be no long term damage.
Head to the driving range Morgan and work it out with your coach to hit em straight next time out.
It happens, it is just another learning experience and there will be no long term damage.
Head to the driving range Morgan and work it out with your coach to hit em straight next time out.
2006-04-29 @ 03:48
Comment from: Kyle [Visitor]
Wow, can't believe Morgan Pressel missed the cut--but oh well it happens. She seems like a girl that already puts a lot of pressure on herself but honestly all that trash talking she did probably made the pressure even worse. Her confidence is admirable but the tough thing about criticizing other players is that you put the spotlight on yourself and you better back it up.
2006-04-29 @ 06:35
Comment from: Johnny N. [Visitor]
I think Morgan Pressel has probably wised up a bit since she started on tour.
Her comments against Wie were completely unjustified and she is probably beginning to understand, just how tough the real tour is.
Many great amateurs have failed on the big stage. I don't expect Morgan to be one of them, but she needs to realise that it is quite a big step up.
Another point is, Morgan is still at school. That makes it very difficult for her to perform at her highest level. She should be finished school soon, and maybe then her performances will improve.
Her comments against Wie were completely unjustified and she is probably beginning to understand, just how tough the real tour is.
Many great amateurs have failed on the big stage. I don't expect Morgan to be one of them, but she needs to realise that it is quite a big step up.
Another point is, Morgan is still at school. That makes it very difficult for her to perform at her highest level. She should be finished school soon, and maybe then her performances will improve.
2006-04-29 @ 07:53
Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
I am also shocked of Morgan's play of late. Her putting has been mediocre; and that is supposed to be her strength. But one has to give her the benefit of the doubt since she is a rookie who might be playing each golf course for the first time.
My suspicion is that she is struggling due to her recent change in equipment. Her deal with Callaway forced her to switch clubs and I am not too keen on changing all your equipment just like that.
So I would say it is too early to rule her out of the rookie of the year award which S.H. Lee is leading and will continue to do so since Morgan and Julieta Granada will miss out on the big purse that this tournament has. No, I won't shed a tear for Morgan nor Julieta.
My suspicion is that she is struggling due to her recent change in equipment. Her deal with Callaway forced her to switch clubs and I am not too keen on changing all your equipment just like that.
So I would say it is too early to rule her out of the rookie of the year award which S.H. Lee is leading and will continue to do so since Morgan and Julieta Granada will miss out on the big purse that this tournament has. No, I won't shed a tear for Morgan nor Julieta.
2006-04-29 @ 08:45
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor]
Paula Creamer is suffering from Lorena Ochoa's confidence problem from last season. Paula really had nothing to lose as a first-year rookie so she flew by the "seat of her pants". This year Paula has much to lose...her coveted 2nd place ADT money finish (2005) right below Sorenstam is in jeopardy and she has sponsorship deals which mean $$$ if she keeps herself in the mix.
Poor Morgan...I really feel for her. She's realizing that it's a different story when you're under the gun as a professional golfer. She should get over it as the season progresses. She has also been switching her putter as of late. Putting without confidence is a sure signal that you're going to miss the cut. And, it has nothing to do with the putter in her hands...it's all mental at this point.
I also believe that the LPGA's season-ending ADT Championships for a $1 million prize is making the ladies all play a bit harder.
Poor Morgan...I really feel for her. She's realizing that it's a different story when you're under the gun as a professional golfer. She should get over it as the season progresses. She has also been switching her putter as of late. Putting without confidence is a sure signal that you're going to miss the cut. And, it has nothing to do with the putter in her hands...it's all mental at this point.
I also believe that the LPGA's season-ending ADT Championships for a $1 million prize is making the ladies all play a bit harder.
2006-04-30 @ 10:56
Stacy, every player wants to increase their length, but for some there are obvious drawbacks to overcome. Case in point: Paula Creamer's average driving distance in 2005 was 248.6 yards (T65); her driving accuracy was at .764 (T39). This year she added close to 18 yards in length with an average driving distance of 266 (27th), but her accuracy off the tee plummeted to a dismal .690 (T77).
2006-04-30 @ 16:36
Isn't it funny how Paula Creamer's average driving distance ranking went up from 65th to 27th (up 38 places) while her driving accuracy ranking dropped from 39th to 77th (down 38 places). 38 must be her lucky number or maybe not.
2006-04-30 @ 18:36
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor]
There's the old saying, "Drive for show, putt for dough".
I would rather be shorter but more consistent off the tee and have a hot putter than be long and in the rough with the yips!
Both Creamer and Pressel need to calm down and realize that there is still a long season ahead.
I would rather be shorter but more consistent off the tee and have a hot putter than be long and in the rough with the yips!
Both Creamer and Pressel need to calm down and realize that there is still a long season ahead.
2006-05-01 @ 09:30
How true. Paula Creamer should take a cue from the accurate, but short-hitting Koreans. The LPGA should wisen up and decide to lengthen the courses. Players should be rewarded for taking risks by hitting the ball long and accurate. You got to keep the course honest.
2006-05-01 @ 13:29
Comment from: Jim COULTHARD [Visitor]
The top player this year has been long hitting Lorena Ochoa.
The LPGA isn't going to lengthen their courses now. LPGA members have enough trouble beating Michelle Wie as it is. They are not going to want to make the LPGA courses more Michelle-friendly.
The LPGA isn't going to lengthen their courses now. LPGA members have enough trouble beating Michelle Wie as it is. They are not going to want to make the LPGA courses more Michelle-friendly.
2006-05-01 @ 20:15
Comment from: Stacy Solomon [Visitor]
Jim, length off the tee doesn't necessarily win tournaments, accuracy does.
And the girls are definitely hitting the ball longer. Just look at Mi Hyun Kim who, at 5'1", hit a 280-yard drive on Sunday when she won the Ginn.
And the girls are definitely hitting the ball longer. Just look at Mi Hyun Kim who, at 5'1", hit a 280-yard drive on Sunday when she won the Ginn.
2006-05-02 @ 14:35
The LPGA is in a great upswing right now. There are so many gals out there that are really on the verge of some major break out seasons. Annika has carried the main torch for so long . I think what she is experiencing now is just a slight fall off in her game . She'll bounce back (however ), I think her years of being as dominant are winding down . This is a credit to where ladies golf has come . I am particularly impressed with Lorena Ochoa. From what I see , hear and read , this young lady has it all . I followed her during her runner-up finish at Kingsmill . Lorena has strength , finesse and tremendous focus .She reminds me of a softly stated female version of Tiger . I think she'll win player of the year and many more to come .
2006-05-24 @ 00:06
I have been one of Ochoa's supporters for over a year now. I knew her mental game had to eventually come into focus with her strong golf swing. Now it's just a matter of time before she dominates. I think Ochoa can win a major this season. She certainly is capable of it.
2006-05-24 @ 08:37
I agree, Lorena has the skills to back up a sustained performance at this level and much, much more. As she matures she is setting the stage for a career that will certainly go down as one of the best, if not the best in LPGA history!
2006-05-25 @ 01:12
Comment feed for this postComments are closed for this post.
Recent comments