ANZ favourites show their class
BY Bruce Young | ALPG Tour | 2009 ANZ Ladies Masters | Preview | 03 Feb 2009
If this week’s pre-tournament media conferences for the ANZ Ladies Masters are anything to go by then this week’s 20th staging of one of Australia’s most significant golfing events may well be one of the best on record.
Karrie Webb, Ji Yai Shin and Yani Tseng entertained and informed a large media contingent with their thoughts on the event, their current form and their career’s generally and further established that they may well be the players to beat around the Royal Pines layout.
Webb is aiming for her 7th victory in the event and despite her preparation being curtailed by the great wet in Far North Queensland in recent weeks she is confident that she will play well. “I have not added up a score since the end of November but this is a golf course on which I have fond memories,” said Webb. “It (my form) is an unknown in some ways but starting the season on a golf course on which I am comfortable provides less pressure than say at Kingston Heath as was the case last year.”
“I came down here a day early as there was just not the opportunity to play up north. I have had little play on the golf course of late but am feeling ok about my game and feel ready to step it up a little on Thursday.”
Despite the fact that she describes herself as being nearer the end of her career than the beginning, Webb believes her game is still good enough to compete and contend at the absolute elite level.
“I am disappointed not to have won in the US last year. I was inconsistent but in fact I feel I have more shots in the bag than I did in my prime. It’s hard to explain – even to myself at times – that I am a better player than was the case earlier in my career. It is consistency I need to build however as consistency builds confidence.”
When quizzed about the fact that she had been overtaken by Katherine Hull as the leading Australian on the LPGA Tour this year, Webb seemed unperturbed. “Katherine has had a great year and I hope when I reach the age of 40 there will be ten Australians better than me.”
Webb’s game might be in better shape than it was earlier in her career but as someone who has witnessed many of her press conferences over the years I have to say that this was one of her best. She had thoughts on many different issues and was very reasoned and measured in each and every response she gave. It was Webb at her best and if she can produce similar on the golf course then ANZ Ladies Masters number 7 might well be only a few days away.
The next to face the media was Ya-Ni Tseng who has just completed an LPGA Tour rookie season to rival that of Webb’s in 1996. Tseng skyrocketed into 2nd position in the world ranking following a stunning first season where she not only won a major championship, but won the hearts of many. She was at it again today, endearing herself to the assembled media with her cheeky smile and self effacing manner.
“I didn’t expect this time last year to be the number two player in the world, said Tseng. “It has come so fast and so I need to be patient now. After my win at the MC Donald’s I began put too much pressure on myself and my expectations were too high.”
When asked what goals she had in store for 2009 she replied, “I just want to keep making birdies. I want to be a birdie machine. My coach tells me to just keep making birdies and the goals will look after themselves.”
Ji Yai Shin is yet another star recruit to the event. The 20 year old, who won the Ricoh Women’s British Open in August and two other LPGA Tour events by year’s end, will now play on the LPGA Tour in 2009 although will still play events in her home country and on the Japan LPGA Tour. Although yet to buy a home in the US, she will do so before long and said she had already plenty of offers from some players wanting her to buy their house.
Shin has become a superstar in Korea but the expectation on her at home to win is now huge. “If I don’t win or even if I come second or third people ask me why I did not win.”
Shin will play in Hawaii next week but is a genuine chance to do well this week. “I have been in Australian for three weeks staying with a friend in Brisbane and have being playing at North Lakes. I came and played here at Royal Pines a week or so ago and my game feels ok. I have good memories of this event.” Shin finished 6th in 2008 and was runner up to Webb in 2007.
Twelve months ago in the Australian Women’s Open at Kingston Heath, Webb produced the most amazing finish to catch Shin who led by two with two to play. She then went on to defeat her in the playoff. This week might be Shin’s turn to claim revenge.
Of course the chances go well beyond these three fine players.
Last week’s New Zealand Women’s Open winner and Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner, Gwladys Nocera, and Australian golf’s big improver in 2008, Katherine Hull, pose a big threat to the favourites. Hull has played well enough at Royal Pines in the past but she and her game are at a different level now and she should do well.
Japan’s Ai Miyazato, defending champion Lisa Hall and Sarah Jane Smith (nee Kenyon) are also considered some sort of chance to contend but there are many others who have the class to contend at various stages during the four days of the event.
