Confident Webb lines up for golf major - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Confident Webb lines up for golf major

By Elspeth Burnside 07/06/2006 04:06:36 PM Comments (0)

Karrie Webb likes her chances of contending for a second straight major championship title on Sunday.

Despite becoming eligible for the Hall of Fame, it was no surprise when Webb played only a minor role in last year's LPGA Championship, finishing 39th.

Twelve months on, she is back at Bulle Rock in Maryland as one of the tournament favourites - and the only player who can keep alive the dream of a season grand slam of the four majors.

It's already been a stunning turnaround season for the 31-year-old Queenslander, with a seventh career major at the Kraft Nabisco Championship and a second LPGA Tour win in the Michelob ULTRA Open raising hopes that she can topple Annika Sorenstam and reclaim the world No.1 ranking.

Following a couple of weeks' break, Webb finished tied 13th in the ShopRite Classic in New Jersey on Sunday, and she's looking forward to joining Lorena Ochoa, who just heads Webb at the top of the LPGA money list, 16-year-old whizkid Michelle Wie and defending champion Sorenstam as the star players.

"I wasn't quite on song last week," said Webb.

"But I know it's there and so I feel I have a good chance of being up there on Sunday.

"Ten weeks ago, I wouldn't have ever thought of a Grand Slam, and I still don't think we can talk about it unless I win this week and then the US Women's Open."

Webb feels she has a great chance of reclaiming the major title she won at DuPont Country Club in Delaware in 2001.

"I didn't play particularly well here last year, but I do feel it is a course that suits my game.

"I like the fact that you have to shape your driver and there are some pretty demanding par fours. The rough is also pretty high, and that makes it a true test for a major."

Illustrating how much the golf wheel has turned, Webb's old rival Sorenstam is now the player whose name is being linked with the "slump" word, though it's all relative.

Last year was business as usual for Sorenstam with 10 victories including the first two majors.

This year she won her first event but has since gone seven consecutive tournaments over three months without winning.

But Sorenstam will be chasing a record fourth straight LPGA Championship title this week and Webb remains in awe of what she's done in recent years.

"I must admit I did go into the wilderness a little the last couple of years," said Webb. "I didn't really have a goal to chase and it's very hard staying at the top.

"That's why Annika's five or six year reign is so amazing."

Wie, who was second last year, was tired but still full of confidence after missing out on qualifying for the men's US Open at Winged Foot next week.

She shot 68-75 on Tuesday in her much-hyped appearance at Canoe Creek in New Jersey to miss the mark by five shots.

"I felt like I was 80 years-old when I woke up this morning," admitted Wie.

"I was a little stiff, but I'll be fine. I don't really feel tired, just sore, and I'm so excited to be back here and looking forward to a great week. Playing yesterday was a lot of fun and now I'm even more motivated to do well this week."

Webb has no thoughts of following Wie into the men's game.

"I think it would have been unbelievable feat if she had gone through," said Webb. "Obviously it's a dream of hers to play on the men's Tour, so I guess while she's young she might as well have a go at it.

"But I would never want to do it. I would hate to be the centre of attention, and I find that playing on the LPGA Tour is enough of a challenge for me."

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