I’m feeling a bit depressed as I write this. I can’t believe that the Longs Drugs Challenge is the final full field event of the 2005 season. I must admit I have had a great time covering the LPGA events in stark contrast to my comments in a previous column so I’m now sitting here eating my words.
This tournament will undoubtedly cheer me up as the defending champion is none other than the very colorful and always outspoken Christina Kim. Last year Christina snatched victory from veteran Karrie Webb. This year Kim has yet to win and although Karrie won an early tournament she has since faded into the middle of the pack.
The Longs Drug Challenge is a 6,235-yard 72-hole event originated in 1996 and carries a respectable $1 million purse. It will be interesting to see if Kim can defend her title against another stellar field of 144 golfers on the beautiful Ridge Golf Course while keeping her composure. Nah! I would rather watch Kim dress in her funky clothes and act just like she is…a charming 21-year-old LPGA rookie!
Even though Christina Kim has been a member of the LPGA for only three years she can also be considered a veteran. The all-American girl has been eligible to play in 85 events and has played in all but one. This year Kim has also helped Team USA win the biennial Solheim Cup not only with her stellar performance but by cheering on her compadres with chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A”! The Longs Drug Challenge is to be Christina’s 26th tournament of 2005 and a special tournament for her because it is located near her hometown of San Jose, California.
Although Christina Kim will be facing some of the best golfers on the tour she still has her work cut out for her. One of the steady favorites in any tournament she enters is none other than “numero-uno” Annika Sorenstam. With over $18 million in career earnings and finishing in the top spot on the ADT Official Money list seven times in her career, she is still the one to beat.
However, in my opinion, Annika is now in her “downtime” as all of the major tournaments are out of the way. And Annika hasn’t even been seen at this event since 2001 where she tied for a middling 43rd position. She may be the best but I think there are other terrific players in the field who could easily give Kim a fight.
For example, Marisa Baena has been climbing the leaderboard and has one win to her credit at the HSBC Match Play Championship. Just last week Marisa even carded a “1” as she aced a par-3 on the exceptional Trump National Golf Course in Los Angeles, California and came in solo eighth at that event.
I have been mentioning the strength of the Asian contingency in a few of my articles and contend that since Hee-Won Han is coming off her Monday victory at that same tournament, I believe she is still feeling the glory of that moment and could challenge this week. Her friend, South Korean Soo-Yun Kang came in a close second and may also feel confident enough to pursue the leaders. Mi Hyun Kim is always a solid golfer despite her small size and with her 10th place finish this week she might also be focused on the prize.
Then there’s always the predictable veteran Juli Inkster whose solid play helped the American team to victory at the Solheim Cup. Juli lost this event last year by two strokes to Kim but now they’re Solheim Cup buddies so at least the two will have fun if they couple at the Sunday finals.
Natalie Gulbis took another fourth place position this past week and is primed to win. Butch Harmon is one of the best coaches in golf so I’m sure between his teachings and her psychological coach (don’t ALL golfers have one of them?) she will eventually be in the winner’s seat.
Several MC’s from the Office Depot Championship need to make a move. Laura Davies has been playing inconsistently since the Solheim Cup. Cristie Kerr’s aches and recurring pains must be acting up. And Meg Mallon just needs better focus. But there’s still this weekend, ladies. Time to focus on your game and show the viewers just how good you are at this crazy, unpredictable game.
Although Lorena Ochoa made the cut last week, she lapsed into the middle of the leaderboard. I wonder how many golfers fade into anonymity after a successful few seasons? I like watching Lorena Ochoa play golf because she’s spunky and hope that she can maneuver into another top-ten before the end of the season. She’s a hard worker but her head gets in the way of her success.
The Golf Channel will be covering the Longs Drugs Challenge on October 6th and 7th from 4:30-7:00pm, October 8th from 5:00-7:30pm and October 9th from 7:30-9:00pm (ET).