The ladies of the LPGA will return to the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin Tennessee for a charitable tournament to benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The Ironhorse, a par-72, 6,450 yard challenge, is one of two courses located at the club and the choice for this year’s event. Lorena Ochoa is once again attempting to conquer a field of the best LPGA players in the world, including Wendy Ward, who lost by one stroke to Ochoa at last year’s championship.
Hosted by singers Amy Grant and Vince Gill, the charity looks forward to increasing last year’s donations from $55,000 with the addition of the Purity Family Fun Zone, the Michelob Ultra 19th Hole and the Gentleman Jack Pavilion.
Fighting for a share of the $1 million purse is Lorena Ochoa, still looking for her first victory this season. She has had her troubles at every turn, losing in battles with Annika Sorenstam at both the Safeway Classic and the Mastercard Tournament. But, her statistics are in contrast to her performance on tour. Currently in second place on the ADT Official Money List, tied for second in rounds under par and the number one birdie-maker on tour, you wouldn’t know that Ochoa is struggling for a victory. However, Ochoa does have one good thought about this tournament…she won it already, and confidence can go a long way in reducing jitters during a tournament.
Wendy Ward, fresh off her win two week’s ago at the 2005 Takefuji Classic, attempted back-to-back wins at last week’s Corona Tournament but came up short. However, the thought of winning is still fresh and the setback last week came from pressure. With her sport’s psychologist, Debbie Crews, helping Ward with her mental game, and her husband in her corner, look for Wendy to come on strong and challenge the rest of the field.
Karrie Webb, with an early win this year at the ANZ Ladies Masters and a total of 32 individual championships, 6 majors and a grand slam under her belt, will be on hand to challenge the field. Webb has now passed the $10 million dollar mark in career earnings with decent finishes in her last attendances.
Don’t count out Cristie Kerr, who is tied for third place in number of top-10 finishes and currently ranks as the number three player on the money list behind Annika and Lorena.
Fifth place finalist at last week’s Corona Morelia Tournament, Natalie Gulbis, will be on hand as well as Laura Diaz, Mi Hyun Kim, and Charlotta Sorenstam.
Grace Park hopes to compete as long as her recurring back injury does not interfere with her golf swing.
The State Farm Bonus Pool will be awarding points for this event. Points are given to players who finish in the top-20 at the nine sponsored events and and additional $250,000 is distributed to the top-10 point earners. Wendy Ward received 100 points for her recent win at the Takefuji. Last year’s winner? Lorena Ochoa.
Although the tournament begins on Thursday, television coverage begins with 2nd round action, each day on ESPN2 as follows: Apr 29 4:00-6:00 PM, Apr 30 2:00-4:00 PM, May 01 3:00-5:00 PM (ET).