LPGA returns for Jamie Farr Classic
BY Bruce Young | LPGA Tour | 2007 Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic | Preview | 11 Jul 2007
After a week’s break following the US Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, the LPGA continues its summer schedule this week in Sylvania, Ohio where the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic will be played.
The host venue, the Highland Meadows Golf Club, is an original Harold Weber design remodelled in 1974 by Arthur Hills.
Mi Hyun Kim will defend the title she won in a playoff over Natalie Gulbis, denying the American her chance for her first LPGA victory which is still yet to happen. Kim closed the four shot gap Gulbis had established after just seven holes of the final round to win at the third extra hole.
The top three players in women’s golf are not in the field this week but there is an interesting mix of those just below them and one or future stars of the game.
Mi Hyun Kim is having yet another good season in 2007 with a win and runner up placing in addition to several other top tens. She is well placed to successfully defend her title this week.
Paula Creamer has had a couple of close calls in this event and has produced some very low rounds on this golf course at the Highland Meadows Golf Club. Her form in 2007 is certainly good enough for her to be considered a likely contender for the title.
Cristie Kerr may still be on cloud nine after her great win at the US Women’s Open. This is not an event she has played often and is likely here as warmup for the three big events coming up in the next few weeks including the World Match Play, the Evian Masters and the Women’s British Open.
Se Ri Pak has won this event on four occasions and given that she finished 4th at the recent US Women’s Open, she is in good enough form to continue her love affair with this layout. Her record in this event, even when she hasn’t been winning, has been very good.
There will be much interest in the appearance of South African teenager, Ashleigh Simon who turned professional just two months ago and has already won her first event as a professional on the Ladies European Tour. This will be the first LPGA Tour event for the 18-year-old from Johannesburg.
The Australians are represented by Rachel Hetherington, who has a good record at the Highland Meadows Golf Club including a win in 2002, Lindsey Wright, who is having a very good season in 2007, Wendy Doolan and Katherine Hull.
