Ko looks to defend title at LPGA’s first major

RANCHO MIRAGE, California — Lydia Ko remembers holding her arms above her head in a heart shape when she leaped into Poppie’s Pond last year. The New Zealand teenager had to watch the video to learn she also held her nose for the winner’s traditional plunge at the ANA Inspiration.

“I might be one of the only players to hold my nose,” the world No. 1 said with a grin. “I must have been scared of the water going up my nose.”

Ariya Jutanugarn didn’t get to make that leap because she blew a two-stroke lead with bogeys on the final three holes of the Dinah Shore Course last year. Yet, that major disappointment propelled Jutanugarn to where she sits now: Right behind Ko in the overall rankings, with a chance to rise at Mission Hills Country Club this weekend.

“I think I’m really lucky that last year [happened],” Jutanugarn said, recalling the thoughts that ran through her head. “‘I’m never going to win my first tournament. I’m never going to win my first major.’ I feel really happy that happened last year. After that tournament, I just said ‘OK, just go have fun.’ ”

Jutanugarn might be having a bit more fun than Ko lately, but the top two players in the world are leading a packed field that includes 10 former champions at the ANA Inspiration. They’re competing for the $2.7 million US purse at the first major of the year in the desert just outside Palm Springs.

Ko became the youngest player to win two majors when she took the trophy here last year with a birdie on the 72nd hole, while Jutanugarn remained winless on the LPGA Tour with her collapse.

So much has changed for both young pros since that fateful Sunday.

Jutanugarn has won a whopping five events since, including the British Open. With a newfound confidence and a steady demeanour, she has been ranked No. 2 in the world for 34 straight weeks.