If Annika Sorenstam doesn't make a miraculous comeback and win the U.S. Women's Open on Sunday, the reason will be due to one club, her putter. Never a great putter, Sorenstam ranks 23rd on the LPGA Tour, averaging 29.34 strokes per round entering the week. In majors like Kraft Nabisco, Sorenstam has fared a little better, averaging 28.25, and just two weeks ago at the McDonald's LPGA Championship her putting got much worse (30.25 average). But all those numbers pale in comparison to this week. Sorenstam has totaled 98 putts in three rounds, a 32.66 average, far below what was required to win her last Women's Open in 2006. The 32.66 average ranks Sorenstam 63rd out of the 74 golfers who made the cut, and she has 17 more putts than 54-hole leader Stacy Lewis (81). "I'm about to cry," Sorenstam when asked about her woes on the course over the last three days. "When you do everything you can and then it just doesn't happen, I cannot hit the ball any better, I cannot put myself in a better position and I really don't know what to do. I think I'm rolling the ball really well today and doing everything I was told to do and it feels good and it just does not happen."
At seven shots back, the three-time Open champion will need to make everything she looks at on Sunday and likely some help from those in front of her to have any chance. "I'm still in striking zone and I'm not giving up hope yet," an upbeat Sorenstam said when thinking about the final round. "Maybe it's just saving it. I'll make them all tomorrow."
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| Posted By David Shefter At 7:57 PM | |
The third round is in the books and the only delay was a short 40-minute stoppage in the morning. Thankfully, the stories were on the golf course and we have quite a story brewing. Stacy Lewis could win the biggest championship in women's golf in her professional debut. We believe nobody has ever won a major in their first pro event. Amateur Francis Ouimet won the 1913 U.S. Open, but he was not a pro. Ben Curtis joined Ouimet in becoming the first player to win a men's major in his first attempt when he took the British Open in 2003. But Lewis is hardly a surprise. She's a two-time first-team All-American with 12 college victories, including the 2007 NCAA Division I women's title. She posted a 5-0 record at the recent Curtis Cup Match in St. Andrews, Scotland and shot a first-round 65 at the 2007 LPGA Tour's Northwest Arkansas Classic that became unofficial when the final two rounds were canceled due to heavy rains. The 65 was erased from the books as was Lewis' unofficial title. Nevertheless, she showed she could compete against the best. Now we'll see if she can handle final-round pressure at a major. The Curtis Cup experience certainly helped. On the first day of competition, she duffed her opening tee shot with a fairway metal in a four-ball match with Amanda Blumenherst. She said that's the most nervous she's ever been. The duo wound up winning the match. On Sunday, she'll again be hitting that fairway metal on the first tee. Lewis can only hope the final result will be the same. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 7:57 PM | |
Creamer In With 69 Edina - Paula Creamer pulled a 6-footer for birdie on her final hole, eliciting a frown. Had the ball dropped, she would have had a share of the lead with Stacy Lewis at nine under. "I have a lot of confidence right now," said Creamer, who nailed 12 of 14 fairways. "I keep giving myself birdie opportunities." Helen Alfredsson, somehow getting lost in the shuffle, earned a 2-under 71 for a 7-under 212. "I love this place," said Alfredsson, a captain's pick on the 2002 European Solheim Cup team that was played at Interlachen. "To hit quality shots has always been a long time coming." I feel fortunate. We dodged more weather delays. The skies are overcast and it has taken on the feel of a British Open. It has cooled off substantially. Park Hanging On Edina - Well, Inbee Park has kept it interesting. She sank a 10-footer for birdie on the 16th hole to drop to eight under par. Stacy Lewis suffers from scoliosis, by the way. She has two rods in her back. She said she stretches constantly to keep it loose. "It was awesome," she said of her round. "The hole looked huge out there. It was so much fun." Lewis can say that again. She put on a clinic. One caveat to the 23 putts she took: she only hit 11 of 18 greens, meaning some of the putts she took were from off the green. That's taking nothing away from her at all. The name of the game is getting the ball in the hole any way possible - within reason, of course. Lewis Caps Brilliant Round Edina - Stacy Lewis walked into the clubhouse with the third-round lead after draining a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. She fell to nine under in her bogey-free 67. Even more impressive, she took just 23 putts. She's currently leading the field in putts per average with 27.0. Lewis is playing in her first even as a professional. We are trying to figure out whether a player in his/her first event as a pro has ever won a major. Back And Forth Edina - While Stacy Lewis finessed in a 8-footer for par on No. 17, Inbee park gave a stroke back on No. 14. She missed a 10-footer, leading to a two-putt. Paula Creamer had a miraculous up and down out of the right greenside bunker on No. 15. With her ball close to the lip and faced with a blind shot to the flagstick, Creamer stroked a savvy sand wedge to within 10 feet and knocked in the knee-bender. Park Falls Back Edina - While Stacy Lewis finessed in a 8-footer for par on No. 17, Inbee park gave a stroke back on No. 14. She missed a 10-footer, leading to a two-putt. Paula Creamer had a miraculous up and down out of the right greenside bunker on No. 15. With her ball close to the lip and faced with a blind shot to the flagstick, Creamer stroked a savvy sand wedge to within 10 feet and knocked in the knee-bender. Sorenstam On The Horizon Edina - Well, have to hand it to Annika Sorenstam. She showed grit and determination Saturday, carding a 1-under 72. Although it didn't put her near the lead, it did give her an outside chance heading into Sunday's fourth round. "I'm fighting and fighting, and doing everything I can," said Sorenstam. "I can't do anymore." Three-Way Tie Edina - I can't keep up. Now Paula Creamer knocks in a 16-footer to catch Inbee Park and Stacy Lewis. I will say one thing, you couldn't ask for a more exciting finish coming down a stretch. Lots of drama. Lewis Joins Park Edina - OK, this is getting ridiculous. I've filed about five updates in a matter of two minutes. Now Stacy Lewis climbs into a share of the lead with a nifty left-to-right 12-footer on the 15th hole. She had an 'aw shucks' look on her face when it fell. She and Inbee Park are eight under. Inbee Park In The Lead Edina - Inbee Park moved ahead of everyone with another birdie putt on the 11th hole, this one from 20 feet. Park was a phenom as a junior, winning the 2002 U.S. Girls' Junior and named as the 2002 AJGA Rolex Player of the Year. Helen Alfredsson bogeyed the 12th hole when she missed the green off the tee, scrambling until she missed a short putt. Alfredsson fell one stroke back of Park. Paula Creamer and Stacy Lewis were also hanging on at seven under. No caffeine needed on this end. The action is keeping me going with all the leader changes. Leaders Flip Again Edina - Just as soon as Paula Creamer took the lead, it dissolved. That's because Helen Alfredsson knocked in a 12-foot birdie putt on No. 11. Creamer's chip had gone short of the flagstick, ultimately leading to a wincing bogey. Stacy Lewis sank a 24-foot putt on the 185-yard, par-3 14th to move into a tie with Creamer at seven under. Inbee Park fed off a 3-footer to also fall to seven under. By the way, they've been playing in a steady drizzle. Leaf blowers have also been used to clear the greens. Creamer Grabs Sole Possession Edina - Paula Creamer sank a 5-foot birdie to take control of the Women's Open, falling to eight under par. Alfredsson, Creamer Keep Pace Edina - Shortly after Helen Alfredsson sank a 4-foot putt on No. 7, Paula Creamer answered with a 6-footer that broke right to left on the same hole. The two are grouped together. Creamer, wearing fluorescent pink and yellow polish on every other finger, had an animated fist pump. Both stand at seven under. Lewis Creates Logjam Edina - Stacy Lewis, in her first professional event, drained a 25-foot birdie putt off the collar on No. 8 to create a five-way lead. The ball skipped through before barely breaking. Jammed At The Top Edina - Mi Hyun Kim birdied the ninth hole and made the turn three under, five under for the championship. After parring Nos. 4 and 5, Helen Alfredsson bogeyed the sixth, leading to a crammed tie for first between Alfredsson, Minea Blomqvist, Paula Creamer and Angela Park. With two birdies through her seven holes, Stacy Lewis fell to five under. She's tied with Kim and Inbee Park. All Alone Edina - By the way, saw one of the questions below. The playing conditions today are unpredictable and awful. The wind seems to be shifting, swirling every five minutes. The sun pops out momentarily until dark clouds hover. It's wreaking havoc. People are fleeing for their lives. Ok, that last sentence was a little over-dramatic, but you get the point. Surprisingly, tough, scores aren't really reflecting that. They're staying steady. Funny note: inside the media center there is a monster board that updates scores. We have a new twist. Apparently Cristie Kerr has decided to apply different decorum and skip the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth holes. She scoreboard has her carding a '2' on No. 9. Obviously a mistake since she's only completed four holes thus far. All Alone Edina - Helen Alfredsson took sole possession of the lead after a birdie on the third hole. She's one stroke ahead of Minea Blomqvist, Paula Creamer and Angela Park. Late last night after play was suspended, Alfredsson quipped that she was happy to see leaders again, in reference to it being so long since she's been near the top of a leader board. Kung Makes Run Edina - Candie Kung, the 2001 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links champion, birdie the second hole to pull even with Minea Blomqvist at five under par. Helen Alfredsson jumped into a share of the lead with Angela Park and Inbee Park at six under. Hmmm Edina - OK, we now have three Kims and two Parks in the top 10. That's 50 percent of the top 10 to you and I. Mi Hyun Kim has birdied the second hole to get to four under. Defending champion Cristie Kerr parred her first hole and remains at four under. Kims On The Move Edina - Two Kims - In-Young and Young - were creeping up the leader board. Both were four under for the Open. There are now two Parks (Angela and Inbee) and two Kims on the leader board, which is making my head spin as I try to keep track. We Are Back Edina - After a 45-minute delay, play resumed at 11:05 a.m. CDT. Looks like we may be in for a long one today, folks. Our chipper weather forecasters are predicting a slew of thunderstorms. Now we just need to see if we're fortunate enough to miss all those cells. We are officially into the third round now. Stat of the week, according to David Shefter: Lorena Ochoa has made one birdie on the par 5s this week. Surprising. |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 12:22 PM | |
Play has resumed at the 2008 U.S. Women's Open after a 40-minute weather delay. The sun is back out. Can we please keep it there? The leaders still have an hour to go before going off. Play was first halted at 10:25 a.m. CDT.
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| Posted By David Shefter At 9:37 AM | |
| Some bad news. They have just blown the horns signifying another weather delay. This could be an all-too-familiar scene today. Only a handful of groups have officially started play in the third round. This has the potential to be another long day. | |
| Posted By David Shefter At 9:37 AM | |
The sun has popped out, but that is not necessarily great news. We just received the forecast from our weather guys and there's a chance for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. We'll keep our fingers crossed that the electricity comes from the players and not the skies.
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| Posted By David Shefter At 9:37 AM | |
I've just been informed that the last group will go out at 11:55 a.m. CDT. That threeseom will include 36-hole leader Angela Park, Minea Blomqvist and Inbee Park. For those scoring at home, it's one 19-year-old Brazilian who recently became a U.S. citizen, a 23-year-old Finn whose fiance competes on the European Challenge Tour, and a 19-year-old Korean who won the U.S. Girls' Junior at 14 and was the runner-up in that same event at 15 and 17. The penultimate grouping features Sweden's Helen Alfredsson, Paula Creamer of Pleasanton, Calif., who is seeking a first-ever major, and Korean Jeong Jang, winner of the 2005 Women's British Open. They will be preceded by defending champion Cristie Kerr, 2001 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links champion Candie Kung of Chinese Taipei and Korean Ji-Yai Shin, who tied for sixth in the 2007 Women's Open. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 9:37 AM | |
Two players, Maria Hjorth and Leta Lindley, each made birdies on the 18th hole to get a free pass to the weekend as. Hjorth, the runner-up to Yani Tseng in a playoff three weeks ago at the McDonald's LPGA Championship, had a short 3-footer, while Lindley, who earned her first LPGA Tour victory last month at the LPGA Corning Classic, holed a 20-footer and did a nice dance for the small crowd. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune also reported in today's edition that 17-year-old Courtney Ellenbogen skipped a ball across the pond at 18 a la Bobby Jones in the 1930 U.S. Open. The ball did not careen off a lily pad, but Ellenbogen was quite happy just to make it across. A plaque in the 18th fairway commemorates a shot Jones hit during the third round of the '30 Open, where he captured the third leg of the Grand Slam. "I'd heard about that Bobby Jones thing," Ellenbogen told the Star-Tribune. "That's pretty cool." Unfortunately, the senior-to-be at Blacksburg (Va.) High who has verbally committed to attend Duke University in 2009 did not make the cut. She will return to USGA competition next month at the U.S. Girls' Junior at Hartford (Conn.) Golf Club. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 9:37 AM | |
Even though we just had a quick deluge of rain, the second round is now in the books. A total of 74 golfers will be playing the weekend at the 2008 U.S. Women's Open. That list includes 15-year-old amateur Jessica Korda and 51-year-old Sherri Turner. Aiko Yoshida bogeyed her final hole to miss the cut by one stroke. Among the other casualties were Laura Davies, who went from a 3-under 70 in round one to an 81 in the second round, Natalie Gulbis (77 in round two), 1998 champion Se Ri Pak, three-time USGA champion Kelli Kuehne, two-time Open champion Juli Inkster, Sophie Gustafson, 13-year-old amateur Alexis Thompson, 2006 U.S. women's Amateur champion and 2008 Curtis Cupper Kimberly Kim, 2008 Curtis Cupper and 2007 Women's Amateur Public Links champion Mina Harigae, Grace Park, 2003 WAPL champion Michelle Wie and both co-low amateurs from the 2007 Women's Open, Jennifer Song and Jennie Lee (two-time Curtis Cupper). We are supposed to get round three underway around 10 a.m. The players will play in groups of three off both the first and 10th tees. Hopefully the forecasted thunderstorms will stay away long enough to get round three finished. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 9:37 AM | |
If everything remains the status quo, it looks like seven amateurs will survive the 36-hole cut, led by 18-year-old reigning U.S. Women's Amateur champion Maria Jose Uribe, who stands at three under par. Alison Walshe, one of the stars of the victorious 2008 USA Curtis Cup team, was at three under par with two holes to play, but finished with two double bogeys to drop back to one over. This is a big week for Walshe, who hopes to impress the USGA Women's Committee that she belongs on the three-person squad that will head to Australia in October for the Women's World Amateur Team Championship. Walshe, a recent University of Arizona graduate, is delaying turning pro with the hopes of getting one of those precious spots and also making a strong run at the U.S. Women's Amateur in August. A couple of high schoolers also have a chance to play the weekend. Jessica Korda, 15, of the Czech Republic who now lives in Florida, is at one over par with five holes left. And 17-year-old Tiffany Lua of Rowland Heights, Calif., a semifinalist at last week's Women's Amateur Public Links and a verbal commit to UCLA for the fall of 2009, stands at two over with three holes left. Amanda Blumenherst of Scottsdale, Ariz., the 2007 Women's Amateur runner-up and a two-time Curtis Cupper, will barely make the cut on the number (four over), while University of Southern California standout Paola Moreno of Colombia is in at three over. Moreno helped the Trojans win the 2008 NCAA Division I team title in May. Uribe's UCLA teammate Sydnee Michaels of Temecula, Calif., rounds out the amateurs to make the cut. She stands at one over par after a second-round 76. Michaels advanced to the second round of match play at the WAPL last week, losing to teammate and eventual winner Tiffany Joh. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 5:56 AM | |
As defending champion Cristie Kerr prepared to play her final tee shot of round two on the par-4 ninth hole, a fly flew onto her ball. Normally, Kerr would have trouble stopping her swing, but somehow she did a la Tiger Woods. Instead of backing off and taking her time to go through her entire pre-shot routine again, Kerr took a swipe at the fly and hastenly hit the tee shot. The ball soared well right into some deep rough, leaving her virtually no chance to go for the elevated green. "I wish I would have killed it," said Kerr of the annoying insect. "I was prepared for the gnats. I'm not prepared for a fly. He flew right on my ball." Kerr said there was a 10-foot gap and she and her caddied decided to play safe instead of potentially hitting a tree and taking a big number. She eventually missed the par putt, but the bogey only pushed her two strokes behind leader Angela Park entering the weekend. "I have to take that I am in position again," said Kerr, who makes no secret for her love of Interlachen C.C. and Donald Ross layouts. She won at Pine Needles in 2007, another Ross design. "I have that fire. I've got it. This golf course and Pine Needles just turns my switch on. That's the only way I can describe it." With that, Kerr bolted the "Flash Area" and headed home for some sleep.
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| Posted By David Shefter At 5:56 AM | |
World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa said she used her down time during Friday's two-plus hour rain delay to simply relax. She found a computer and caught up on some e-mail and chatted with a few friends by home. That was pretty much it. The few hours off the course proved to be good because at the time she was two over par and struggling. Following the delay, she played the final seven holes in one under par to get within seven strokes of leader Angela Park at the midway point of the championship. You might say that's a huge deficit to overcome, but not in a major where everyone seems to gravitate toward even par by Sunday evening. Plus, there have been a couple of 67s shot this week. Don't put it past Ochoa to go low on the weekend. The key for Ochoa will be improving her par-5 scoring. She has played 10 in two rounds and has just one birdie -- at the 18th in round one -- despite having chances. Conversely, leader Angela Park is five under on the par-5s, as is defending champion Cristie Kerr. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 5:56 AM | |
| Play Suspended Due To Darkness Edina - Cristie Kerr bogeyed her final hole and walked into the clubhouse with a two-day total of 4-under 142. World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa finished up with a 1-over 147. She took 30 putts for the second straight day. "I can't blame everything on my putting," said Ochoa, who registered 67 percent of her greens in regulation. After Kerr and Ochoa signed their cards, Helen Alfredsson followed them into the scorer's area. She notched a 5-under 141, joining Minea Blomqvist and Inbee Park. All were one stroke off Angela Park's lead. Play was suspended at 8:47 p.m. CDT with 36 players still on the course. Play will resume at 7 a.m. Alfredsson Bogeys Edina - Helen Alfredsson bogeyed the 16th hole to fall off Angela Park's pace. It could still happen, but had Alfredsson gone to seven under, it would have eliminated a number of players based on the 10-shot rule. Just thinking out loud. Alfredsson Equals Park Edina - Helen Alfredsson caught Angela Park on the leaderboard at six under with a birdie on the 10th hole. She continued with three straight birdies after that. Meanwhile, defending champion Cristie Kerr fell to five under on the strength of five birdies through 14 holes. Kerr said earlier in the week that she thinks her game can hold up on the Donald Ross design. "I think [the Women's Open] the most demanding tournament every year," said Kerr. "We play on a different course every year, unlike some of the other majors that we play. Quite often old- style golf courses, which I really like. So knowing that I'm a major champion and that I've won on the caliber golf course that I have, it gives me a lot of personal satisfaction. It verifies all the hard work that I've done. It kind of makes you hungry for more." Lewis Moving Up Edina - Stacy Lewis registered four consecutive birdies to fall to three under par. Lewis is a former USA Curtis Cup player from this year. Covering her over the past couple years, I've come to find out that she isn't as introverted as she first appears. More important, Lewis has a strong game. Play Has Resumed Edina - Players are back on the course. They are playing again. The storm has passed. Update III Edina - It is pouring, but seems to be passing. It pours. Stops. Pours. Drizzles. On and on. Anyway, looks like they're trying to resume play by 7 p.m. CDT Update II Edina - OK, new announcement. Looks like the dangerous situation passed. USGA officials are hopeful that by 5:45 p.m. CDT they can get players in place to perhaps resume play by 6:15 p.m. It's an official unofficial update. Update Edina - Brief update. Looks like the weather cell is going to stick around until at least 6 p.m. CDT. No decisions have been made. Suspended Edina - Play has been suspended due to a dangerous weather situation. The horns sounded at 4:20 p.m. CDT. We'll keep you up to date. The sky is pretty dark. Oh Tumbles Edina - Ji Young Oh bogeyed the sixth and seventh holes to drop to five under. On the par-4 seventh, Oh's 12-foot putt to save par stopped short. She had the line. Even though the sun popped out, humidity was on the rise and storm clouds were moving in. Fortunately, no delays today - yet. Oh Alone Edina - Ji Young Oh sank an 8-foot birdie putt on the second hole to move into the outright lead at seven under. Helen Alfredsson climbed on the leader board after a birdie on No. 3, one of the five par 5s, pushed her to four under. Defending champion Cristie Kerr quietly carded two birdies on her first five holes to go to 3 under. Familiar Position Edina - Angela Park got on one of those rolls that every golfer dreams about in a national championship. Park bolted into a share of the lead with five birdies and one eagle against one bogey for a 6-under 67. It placed her at six under. Park ended up finishing runner-up last year at Pine Needles. During NBC's broadcast, Johnny Miller raved about her swing, a rarity for him. She had heard about it after the championship ended. Players on the LPGA Tour kidded the then-rookie. On Friday, she took pride in it. "He was very kind, very kind to say that," she said. Several weeks ago Park, born in Brazil, got her U.S. citizenship. Of her three brothers, two of them also gained citizenship and served in the U.S. military. She was sworn in at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "I thought it was going to be easy," said Park of the test, adding that it wasn't. "They take it so seriously." On Sunday she plans on wearing a patriotic U.S. shirt with an eagle on it. Players In Clubhouse Edina - Minea Blomqvist finished with a 4-under 69 Friday that put her five under for the championship. She birdied the ninth hole, her last of the round, from 3 feet. It was justice in her mind after she bogeyed the eighth. "It just made me mad," she said. "I had about 3 feet and it circled around and out." Annika Sorenstam fared better Friday, carding a 3-under 70 that put her 3-under total. She it 12 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens in regulation. Although she felt better about the round than Thursday's, she admitted that the putter has been a nemesis. Her stroke has been "slow and jabby," she said. "I was just trying to play smart. Fairways and greens and go from there." Paula Creamer found herself four under for the championship. However, disappointment was etched on her face. She missed a 6-footer on No. 18 for birdie. "I'm trying to go on and do my thing," said Creamer. Sizzling Park Alone On Top Edina - Angela Park, in her third Women's Open, has taken the lead at seven under. Starting the day even par, Park has reeled off four birdies and one eagle in an bogey-free round. Ji Young Oh, who has an afternoon tee time, stands at six under, followed by Ji-Yai Shin (five under), and six players tied at four under. Park, Shin Make Waves Edina - And here comes Ji-Yai Shin and Angela Park, both carding eagles. Shin grabbed a share of the lead with an eagle on the 18th hole; Park eagled the par-5 second. Interesting note: both went into the weekend last year as the top two leaders. Park, as all of you will remember, finished T2. Shin fell to sixth. Answer To A Question Edina - A Ken (great name, by the way) asked about Annika Sorenstam's round. She is three under today through 11 holes and one under for the championship. Hope that helps. Blomqvist Trying To Make History Edina - Minea Blomqvist is vying to become the first Finnish champion in a USGA champion. She birdied her 10th hole, the par-5 second, to fall to five under. The two-tee start is being used again. Paula Creamer, she of the pink fetish, has also moved to five under with a birdie on the 10th hole. Pat Hurst double bogeyed No. 11 and stands two under aggregate. Just wondering, where do they play golf in Finland? On a golf course. That was the answer I got back from our crack staff today. Hurst Falls Edina - Uh oh, Pat Hurst is scrambling. She's now dropped three strokes after a bogey on No. 8 and double bogey on No. 9. In the meantime, Finland's Minea Blomqvist has catapulted into a tie with Paula Creamer, Song-Hee Kim at four under. Kim played her first nine at one over. Dark And Raining Edina - Here comes the rain. It is drizzling. Has been for some 15 minutes now. Still playing, though. Pat Hurst dropped to five under but buoyed herself with a birdie on No. 6. Song-Hee Kim fell into a tie with Paula Creamer; both are four under. Hurst Parring Along Edina - A curiosity buzzed Thursday after Michelle Wie walked off with an 81. Some in the media suspected she might withdraw. Not sure that she will. Even if she gets off to a rocky start today, I suspect she'll want to finish strong to garner some confidence. But hey, that's just me. Pat Hurst has maintained her lead, parring the first three holes. Same with Song-Hee Kim. Paula Creamer did birdie No. 2 to fall to four under. Inbee Park helped her cause with an eagle on the second hole to drop to three under. Park, by the way, has always been one of my personal favorites. It goes back to her days of the U.S. Girls' Junior and her success there. She's soft-spoken but has the competitive spirit of anyone out there. They're Off Edina - Pat Hurst parred her first hole to remain at six under par. Song-Hee Kim also parred her first hole to stay at five under. Almost Time Edina - Almost time for the updates. Reflecting on Thursday's action, rather nice to see Pat Hurst at the top. It is odd to see all the flip-flopping as though we're in some sort of bizarro world. Ochoa, Sorenstam, on the downside looking up? Today is going to be a trying day because it's looking gloomy. Real gloomy. Thunderstorms are in the forecast. I think we were fortunate Thursday. Clouds had moved in but nothing. |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 8:01 AM | |
| In The Moment Edina - One of the more realistic and sensible players out there is Pat Hurst. Consecutive early bogeys that put her one over had her upset. "I was just out there playing hole by hole," she said, adding that she started "whining to her caddie. "Next thing I know, I knock in a birdie putt and here we go." As it always go with the first-round leaders, the media tends to get excited about the prospects of one of them winning. "There's a lot of golf left," said Hurst. "There are 54 holes left." After Hurst left the podium, an unemotional Annika Sorenstam took over. She carded a 2-over 75. "There are certain holes you have to play conservatively," said Sorenstam. "You have to play below the hole. "I've got a plan figured out. I've got to stick with it." Hurst In A Tie Edina - Pat Hurst needed the final hole, No. 9, to catch Ji Young Oh for the lead at six under. She's vying to win her first Women's Open. Creamer Rising Edina - Paula Creamer nailed a mid-range birdie putt on her 17th hole to fall to four under. Creamer has kept it together, continually finding greens and giving herself a chance. More Players Moving Up Edina - Ji-Yai Shin and Linda Wessberg have quietly moved up the leader board. Both were four under; Shin through 12 holes and Wessberg through 10. Paula Creamer got to three under after back-to-back birdies on her 11th and 12th holes. She narrowly missed a 20-footer on the 15th to settle for par. Hurst In The Hunt Edina - Playing in her 17th Women's Open, Pat Hurst crept near the top, joining Song-Hee Kim at five under par. Hurst eagled the par-5 second hole and then birdied No. 3 to get to five under. Two years ago Hurst lost in a playoff against Annika Sorenstam. On Monday she said she was confident heading into this championship. Kim Keeps Rising Edina - Song-Hee Kim has made her move. But it's been her stellar golf that has propelled her near the top. After a bogey-free front nine, Kim birdied the 528-yard, par-5 10th hole to fall to five under. She's one stroke behind leader Ji Young Oh. Kim has three top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour this season. Afternoon Wave Not So Low Edina - Twenty-one of 78 players in the morning shot sub-par rounds. That was during less windy conditions. A breeze was evident in the afternoon, which may be responsible for keeping scores higher. Song-Hee Kim was three under par through eight holes, leaving her three back of Ji Young Oh. Three-time Women's Open champion Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer were two under through their seven holes. By the way, for even more coverage, check out the Golf For Women blog. Oh The Leader Edina - Ji Young Oh sank a birdie putt on the ninth hole, her final one of the day to drop to six under par. Overall, she had seven birdies, carding a 6-under 67. She holds the outright lead. In her only other Women's Open (2007), she missed the cut. Louise Friberg, 28, was hot on her tail at five under through 17 holes. Actually, scratch that. She bogeyed her final hole to card a 4-under 69. Players have been raving about the benign conditions today. There is little wind and the greens are holding balls. Laura Davies, who shot 3-under 70, said that the fairways are rolling fast to provide more length off the tee. Ochoa Says She's Pleased Edina - The world's top-ranked player, Lorena Ochoa, walked away from the first round saying she was pleased with her level-par result. She did, however, lament lost chances. "I didn't take advantage of the great conditions," she said. Ochoa went 13 holes before tasting her first birdie. "You're just trying to be patient for birdie opportunities. Sometimes you get tired of waiting." Uribe outplayed Ochoa and Cristie Kerr, who were all grouped together. Afterward Uribe just said she was admiring being in such elite company. It also helped her, she said, because she prevails under pressure. "If you're going to play with me on a Saturday at my club, you're not going to think I'm very good." Uribe, Kerr Finish Edina - U.S. Women's Amateur champion Maria Jose Uribe, 18, put together a strong round, walking to the scorer's area with a 3-under 70. On her final hole, Uribe's putt stopped 4 feet short of the hole, leading to a fiesty reaction. Uribe is known for her passion on the course. It was her best round in a Women's Open. Defending champion Cristie Kerr knocked in a 3-footer to finish 1-under 72. Lunke In Clubhouse Edina - The local Edina product, Hilary Lunke, seemed pleased to shoot a 1-over 74. After all, she admitted she hasn't played many competitive events recently. "Coming right out for a U.S. Open, the 1-footers are pretty scary," she said. She estimated she's played 18 holes at Interlachen "10 to 12 times." In high school she used to play nine-hole matches here. It's given her inside knowledge about the greens. "You have to respect every green out here. There are a few that will really get you." She wouldn't elaborate which ones, saying that she can't give away her secrets. Ji Young Oh remains in the lead at five under. Three were at four under. Interesting Note Edina - Funny item from our pal, David Shefter. Bettina Hauert of Germany and her caddie, Kaethe Goluecke, have donned interesting headwear for today's first round. Both have white hats with Hauert's displaying the words "Caddy" and Goluecke's showing "Player." Guess the words "Looper" and "Contestant" were already taken. Back to the action. Ji Young Oh is now five under, followed by Laura Davies and Momoko Ueda. Retro Moment Edina - Here's a blast from the past. Laura Davies, the 1987 Women's Open champion, birdied her 10th to stand at four under. Women's Amateur champ Maria Jose Uribe crept to three under through 12 holes. Uribe has decided to forego defending her Amateur crown, opting to play in the four professional majors this year. 10 Crammed At Top Edina - OK, we have a logjam at the top. Seems that everyone in the field is tied at two under par. Mina Harigae, a former USA Walker Cupper who is coming off missing the cut at the Women's Amateur Public Links, moved into a share of the lead. Actually, 10 players were tied at two under. Women's Open Rookie Bolts Into Lead Edina - Twenty-two-year-old Momoko Ueda, playing in her first Women's Open, jumped into the lead on her fourth hole. She's carded three successive birdies to fall to three under. Five players were tied for second at two under. So far, the weather is cooperating. It is overcast still, but no rain. Lunke Makes Move Edina - As soon as I write that Kuehne takes the lead, she bogeyed the fifth hole. Hilary Lunke, the local favorite, birdied the third hole and lodged herself into a 10-way tied at the top of the leaderboard. And as soon as I post that, Lunke bogeyed the seventh. Meanwhile, Teresa Lu grabbed the overall lead by birdieing No. 4. Kuehne In Lead Edina - Kelli Kuehne birdied her second hole to fall to two under. By the way, dark clouds are moving in. The forecast had called for a chance of thunderstorms, so we're keeping an eye on that. From the gallery: on the 10th hole, Karrie Webb's first, the Australian had her own personal fan club. Three women were wearing fluorescent yellow tights and bright green tops, complemented by Australian flags painted on their faces. Webb knocked in a 4-footer to a hearty cheer. Kuehne Hot Out Of Gate Edina - Three-time USGA champion Kelli Kuehne birdied her first hole but then was matched by a birdie by Walshe on her second hole. Both were one under par. Kuehne, incidentally, said she worked hard to get her game ready for this year's championship. We're Off Edina - Patricia Meunier-Lebouc and former USA Curtis Cupper Alison Walshe parred their first hole while local native, and 2003 Women's Open champion, Hilary Lunke hooked her drive off the tee, ultimately scoring a bogey Thursday to start the first round. |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 8:01 AM | |
It's about this time of the week when I begin to tire of all the preparation talk, about green speeds, rough heights and strategy. It's time to play ball. For real. Thankfully at 7 a.m. Thursday morning, the first balls will be struck at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn., to officially commence the 2008 U.S. Women's Open. The USGA provided a nice touch by having local residents Hilary Lunke and Michele Redman hit the first tee shots. Lunke, the 2003 Women's Open champion, lives five minutes from the course in Edina. She'll go off the first tee, while Redman, who also played in the Solheim Cup at Interlachen for the U.S. in 2002, will fire the first shot on the par-5 10th hole. I'm anxious to see how 53-year-old Minnesotan Martha Nause fares. She did play the LPGA Tour and now coaches the men's and women's teams at Macalester College. The oldest competitor in the field should have a nice local following. On the flip side, Alexis Thompson is again the youngest competitor. But she's a year wiser and much more experiences for this go-around. Last August, she advanced to the quarterfinals of the Women's Amateur. With 27 amateurs in the field, we're bound to have a few make the cut. Your best bet for low-amateur honors: Amanda Blumenherst, Jennie Lee, Alison Walshe, Jennifer Song, Maria Jose Uribe and Mina Harigae. Harigae should come in with a chip on her shoulder after missing the match-play cut at last week's U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.
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| Posted By David Shefter At 5:18 PM | |
| Interlachen Country Club, established in 1909, just oozes with history. The place is best known for the legendary Patty Berg and inimitable Bob Jones and the accomplishments they had on the Donald Ross layout. I wanted to see for myself whether those two are recognized by the club. Sure enough, when I strolled through the clubhouse there were pictures and momentos hanging on the wall. Most impressive to me of the many keepsakes were a reproduced set of Jones' Grand Slam clubs and an autographed 1930 Open U.S. Open, signed 'Robert Jones Jr.' The clubs, only the third set manufactured by St. Andrews, hung on one of the hallway walls. Another relic caught my eye as well. It was a framed document of the 1930 U.S. Open in Jones' words. What struck me most was his recollection of the famed lily pad shot. He said it's been misperceived that the ball actually bounded off a lily pad. He said it simply hit the water like a flat rock and skipped through. Don't know why, but I'm always intrigued by such minutiae. |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 3:13 PM | |
| Spent about an hour with Suzann Pettersen on the range today. It's easy to see why she's one of the top female players in the world. Her swing tempo is something to behold. For many players, discovering and rediscovering a consistent tempo is a challenge. Pettersen makes it look so easy. It's fluid and crisp. Bumped into Alexis Thompson, the precocious 13-year-old who is playing in her second Women's Open. What a year makes. She grew about 5 inches. When I told her how different she looks compared to last year, she smiled and blushed. Yani Tseng is such a fun spirit. It's old news now, but when she was introdcued to Adam Scott at the U.S. Open, she just stammered. She admittedly said he was cute. She bounced around today wearing a Minnesota Twins hat, as she's worn since she arrived. |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 3:13 PM | |
Made the long walk down to the Merchandise Tent this morning. Since I missed getting on the treadmill, this was a pretty good substitute for a workout. The tent is a fairly good hike from the Media Center and clubhouse; it's down near the 17th tee and 12th green. For those spectators using the general admission entrance, it's just in front of the American Express Experience and Lexus Performance Drive tents. Now the Women's Open Merchandise Tent is not quite as cavernous as the one at the U.S. Open nor is it a substitute for the Mall of America. But there's a good supply of stuff. I needed to get my wife a hat and I found a cut t-shirt for my daughter. As I said at the U.S. Open, the merchandise for children has gotten so much better over the years. There are plenty of golf shirts for women and men. Happy shopping.
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| Posted By David Shefter At 10:59 AM | |
Even the caddies are getting treated like kings this week at Interlachen Country Club. A short walk from the driving range near the manufacturer's trailers sits a small tent. This is where caddies can kick back, relax, refuel and catch up. The tent offers a cool respite from the golf course as well as a small breakfast and lunch buffet and a cooler offering water, soda and sports beverages. There is a television and two computers set up for caddies to get e-mail or check out the latest scores. The only thing missing is a jacuzzi. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 9:52 AM | |
I know my cohort in crime this week, Ken Klavon, has just filed a blog about Carol Semple Thompson getting a highly worthy honor of being selected for induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Over my nine years in the Association and covering USGA events I've gotten to know Carol quite well, both as a player and a person. Then again, Carol always seems to be in the field as she's played in more than 100 USGA championships and that doesn't include the team competitions. In fact, it's weird to not see her among the 156 players at this week's Women's Open. She is just an amazing competitor and a more amazing person. You can't ask for a better ambassador for amateur golf and for the USGA. Anyone who has ever attended a players' dinner for one of our championships that all USGA champions, Curtis Cup and World Amateur Team participants are introduced. If Thompson is in the field or in attendance, the person at the podium needs several breaths to get through the list of accomplishments: seven USGA titles, a record 12 Curtis Cups and six Women's World Amateur team appearances. She has also represented Pennsylvania in all seven USGA Women's Team Championships, helping the Keystone Staters take the title in the inaugural competition in 1995. And she now has led the USA to Curtis Cup victories as captain in 2006 and '08, the latter coming May 30-June 1 at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland. Thompson will be the 14th careeer amateur to be inducted, joining the likes of Bobby Jones, Sir Michael Bonnallack, Marlene Stewart Streit, Chick Evans, Francis Ouimet and former USGA President William Campbell. So to Carol, congrats. I can't think of someone more worthy of such a distinguished honor. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 6:44 PM | |
| On Tuesday at Interlachen, the World Golf Hall of Fame bestowed one of the greatest honors upon four people - they granted them all entrance into the Hall. Carol Semple Thompson, who was on hand for the announcement, the late Denny Shute, Craig Wood and writer Herbert Warren Wind will be the 2008 inductees come Nov. 10. It could be said that Thompson is a face of the USGA. It's not a stretch because she's been an exemplary amateur who won seven USGA titles. Only Bob Jones, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and JoAnne Gunderson Carner have won more. "I'm humbled by the whole idea of it," said Thompson, clearly excited. "I certainly am not worthy of this, but at the same time I'm loving every minute of it. How could I not?" Someone asked her what her favorite moment was as a player. She didn't hesitate to answer. "Someone asked me what my favorite shot was of my whole career," she said. "And I had to say that the putt that I made in the Curtis Cup Match in Pittsburgh in 2002, my last Curtis Cup Match. It was a miracle putt. It was at least a 100 feet long. And it broke about 18 feet from right-to-left and it was downhill." |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 6:24 PM | |
It's official. Angela Oh has turned pro. She mentioned at last week's U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links, where she reached the round of 16, that she was competing in her last amateur event. Oh didn't use any amateur exemptions to qualify for the Women's Open, so she was free to make that decision prior to play. The Maple Shade, N.J., resident had spent the past two seasons at the University of Tennessee, but she tired of going to class and wanted to start playing for checks instead of pure pride. Other observations from my first day on site: Can we keep this weather around for five more days. It's absolutely gorgeous outside today. Please, no weather delays this week. Also saw Jenny Shin for the first time since last year's U.S. Girls' Junior. Shin won the Girls' Junior in 2006. She's definitely grown a few more inches. I have to say our location in the media center is quite good. We're on the tennis courts, right across the way from the clubhouse and within close proximity of the first and 10th tees, and ninth and 18th greens, as well as the practice area. Weird to see a major-championship winner donning a Minnesota Twins cap. Nothing against the Twins, but usually professionals, especially those who have won majors, have some sort of endorsement deal for their headwear. But the affable Tseng should win over a lot of Minnesotans with that hat. Well, I'm off to chase down Hilary Lunke. Her only professional victory was the 2003 U.S. Women's Open in a playoff over Angela Stanford and Kelly Robbins. She's also the hometown hero this week, having grown up at Edina, which is where Interlachen C.C. is located. Lunke's home club was down the street at Edina C.C. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 2:36 PM | |
| OK, allow the Amazing Ken to wow you with idle thoughts this Tuesday morning: For what it's worth, the first player to register on-site was Jill McGill. Last week McGill attended the U.S. Open, even helping out on one of the mini scoreboards on the course. Each year players receive a bevy of gifts when they register. This year they were spoiled with many Minnesota-made products, such as a financial book by a local author, a candle, silicon bakeware, a loon key chain, scotch tape holder (who couldn't use that?), makeup and lotions, a carrying case, and ball markers. Ran into Hilary Lunke. The Edina, Minn., native looked happy. But she always looks happy. She has perhaps the sunniest disposition of any golfer. One house near the front entrance of the course has a huge yellow banner that said 'SKOL Annika.' Now, not being the brightest bulb, I had to Google 'SKOL.' I thought it might mean something in Swedish. Well, SKOL does translate to 'school' in Swedish, but somehow 'School Annika' doesn't seem like it fits. I think the second reference I found seems to fit. 'SKOL' happens to stand for the Minnesota Vikings fight song. That seems more appropriate for the area. It also represents a Norwegian cheer. Speaking of Sorenstam, she got to the course about 11 a.m. today. When she popped out, in a desolate area mind you, a handful of fans meandered toward her. Sorenstam stopped and signed for all. Talked to Pat Hurst. Asked her how she's been since the playoff against Sorenstam at Newport two years ago. "It hasn't really changed my mindset," she said. "We tried as hard as we could. That's all I can say." Asked how Interlachen stacks up, she referenced the Solheim Cup that was held here a few years back. She got to know the course, which has provided confidence as she prepares this week. "My confidence is pretty high. I'd say I'm out here to play to win. If you're not here to play to win, then it's hard [to compete]." Finally, check out Golf For Women as well. As always, they'll provide astute player analysis and championship coverage. Back to whatever you were doing. Ken |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 11:58 AM | |
| Not sure how to feel about Annika Sorenstam playing in what is being billed as her final Women's Open. Unless you've been completely cut off from the civilized world, she's retiring at the end of the year. I have varied emotions. First of all, there will be a void in women's golf much the same way when Nancy Lopez left the game. However, the game had Sorenstam and Karrie Webb to lead the charge in her absence. Sorenstam, handing off the figurative torch, leaves the game in solid hands. Lorena Ochoa has captivated worldwide fans and the likes of all the young-ins coming up have stabilized the sport to a degree. Still, I'm not completely convinced this will be the final time we see Sorenstam at an Open. She's so competitive that perhaps a year or two away from the game might refuel the juices. Or maybe not. I guess I'm suffering from the same emotions I had when Michael Jordan or Mario Lemiuex retired for the first time. I knew they'd be back. If this is indeed Sorenstam's last Open, golf is worse for it. Her value to the game and the attraction she brought to the sport can't be measured. It was, after all, priceless. Is there any way to quantify how many young lives she and Tiger Woods have touched? Just a rhetorical thought. On Monday, she certainly touched more. Fans had a chance to meet Sorenstam during an autograph session. People waited in a line for up to a half hour or more. All of them didn't seem to mind. It was rather funny to see a car dealer walk out with a signed life-size cardboard cutout of Sorenstam. While waiting for a ride, people continually asked if they could get a photo with it. It struck me funny because here was the real deal some 100 yards away, and people couldn't get enough. They wanted more. They wanted photos with a fake Sorenstam. Just goes to show how much impact she's had. |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 8:05 PM | |
I'm on leg three of my three-week USGA odyssey, which has taken me to Torrey Pines in San Diego, Erin Hills outside of Milwaukee and now Interlachen Country Club in suburban Minneapolis. I did get a brief 24 hours at home, but thanks to a seven-hour delay Monday in Milwaukee, my home time was very brief. Saw my wife for all of 15 minutes before she left for work and my daughter, Veronica, for just a bit longer before she was off to pre-school. Had just enough time to do laundry, mow the lawn, pay bills, run a few errands and re-pack for this week's Women's Open. Of the three Opens, I actually like the Women's Open the best. It's far more intimate than the U.S. Open and you get good access to the players. The LPGA Tour stars are far more accomodating with their time than their PGA Tour counterparts. Plus you don't deal with quite as many people, although I will say recent Women's Opens have drawn quite well, and I don't doubt that Minnesotans will come out in droves to watch the great talent assembled at Interlachen. Recently, women's golf has produced an array of exciting young stars, including Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Yani Tseng, Suzann Petterssen to go with superstar Annika Sorenstam, who is making her farewell tour in 2008. I will be interested to see how these great players attack the five par-5s as well as deal with the challenging Donald Ross green complexes. I believe this Women's Open has every chance to be as exciting as the recent U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. A ton of great storylines, although the Lorena Slam ended a few weeks ago when she came up one stroke short of being in a playoff at the LPGA Championship, which was won by Tseng in a playoff over Maria Hjorth. Defending champion Cristie Kerr says Interlachen is one of her favorite venues. She loves Donald Ross courses, as evidenced by her strong showings at Pine Needles, where she won a year ago. Kerr had a strong finish in Rochester last week and appears to be rounding into form for the Women's Open. Yes, the 2008 Women's Open should be exciting. Can't wait for it to get started. |
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| Posted By David Shefter At 7:45 PM | |
| Hello to all, We're back again, blogging about all things Women's Open. The format will remain the same in that we'll share information that you might otherwise not find in story form. In addition, this will be the place to follow running updates when the championship commences. I'm sure it will be truly scintillating. If for any reason you'd like to make a comment, please do so. If you spot a problem with the site, please don't hesitate to send an e-mail at kklavon@usga.org. Thanks for reading. Ken Klavon Editor, New Media |
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| Posted By Ken Klavon At 11:38 AM | |
