ANZ challengers have their say

BY Bruce Young | ALPG Tour | 2009 ANZ Ladies Masters | Preview | 04 Feb 2009

While the leading contenders and the logical favourites for the ANZ Ladies Masters had their say in yesterday’s press conferences, four players who may offer their strongest opposition had their turn today.

Following on from Karrie Webb, Ya-Ni Tseng and Ji Yai Shin on Tuesday, Katherine Hull, Lisa Hall, Gwladys Nocera and Lindsey Wright all faced the media after their pro-am rounds.

Katherine Hull was arguably Australia’s most improved golfer of either gender in 2008 and she is keen for the perceived battle between her and Karrie Webb to continue.

“It is nice to be included in the same category as Karrie as she is probably Australia’s greatest golfer,” she said. When it was suggested a Webb / Hull battle on Sunday would be great for the tournament, Hull was quick to say ’bring it on’.

Hull arrives at Royal Pines with runner-up finishes in Sydney and Christchurch in her last two weeks but importantly she is more tournament ready than some of her more fancied opponents this week and has less need to dust off the clubs.

Hull has completed a stunning breakthrough season on the LPGA Tour.

“I have never doubted the talent I have but to be honest I have been lazy for four years and with no set goals. My coach Steve McRae changed all that when he asked nearly two years ago if I wanted to win tournaments or just go along as I have been.”

The difference has been dramatic with Hull earning more than US$1 million in 2008. This week could prove an interesting litmus test for the Queenslander as she has never really performed well at Royal Pines and with her improved status might improve her ’batting average’ considerably.

Defending champion Lisa Hall has not played a tournament since the Dubai Classic in December.

“Last year I had the advantage of having played the week before at the Australian Open but this year I am not sure of how I am playing. I played today and it was interesting to recall some of the shots I hit last year in the final round.”

Hall went on to finish 9th on the Ladies European Tour money list in 2008 but, despite earning Rookie of the Year honours on the USLPGA Tour earlier in her career, she has no desire to return to the LPGA Tour.

“I live in Florida but we have a house in England and enjoy playing the LET.”

Gwladys Nocera has regularly played well at Royal Pines and following her standout season on the Ladies European Tour in 2008, she has the credentials to go all the way this week. Last week Nocera won the inaugural New Zealand Women’s Open by a massive six shots and with five Ladies European Tour victories last year she must be a strong chance.

At the recent NSW Women’s Open Nocera had a shocking final round but there were excuses.

“Two weeks earlier I had been skiing and here I was in the hottest of weather and struggling so I said to my caddy we will just play this event out and move on.” She did and a week later was an emphatic winner at Clearwater.

Frenchwoman, Nocera, is an intriguing golfer and personality. Undoubtedly she possesses a game capable of competing and contending at the highest level but despite this she has no desire to play in the US.

“I like playing the Ladies European Tour. I want to support our Tour there and prove a player can do well by playing there. I studied in the US (at the University of New Mexico but I am happy in Europe.”

Twelve months ago, Lindsey Wright appeared to be the lady who might chase Karrie Webb in terms of the next best Australian lady golfer. She had made steady progress on the LPGA Tour, led into the final day of the Australian Women’s Open and then played well early in the 2008 season generally before a shoulder injury slowed her progress.

The shoulder injury developed in May and for three months or so it was a struggle to play.

“It is better now and I have a good workout programme to ensure it remains that way. I was disappointed with the end result for the year as it had started so well.”

“I have been practising since Xmas and am looking forward to getting the season underway. The course is awesome – probably the best I have seen it.”

The tournament gets underway on Thursday morning with the first players to tee off at 6.30.

Karrie Webb and Ya-Ni Tseng are off in the morning group on day one while for Katherine Hull and Ji Yai Shin they will have an afternoon tee off.