Well-rested Ariya major threat
Nine players, led by two-time major winner Ariya Jutanugarn, will fly the Thai flag at the Women’s PGA Championship, which starts in Minnesota today.
The other eight in the year’s third major include Ariya’s sister Moriya, Thidapa Suwannapura and Pornanong Phatlum.
Ariya, 23, is seen as a contender along with US Women’s Open winner Lee6 Jeong-Eun, ANA Inspiration champion Ko Jin-Young, two-time major winner Park Sung-Hyun, and Brooke Henderson, who won the Meijer LPGA Classic on Sunday.
Ten-time LPGA Tour winner Ariya has had an unconvincing season so far.
In her first 13 starts this year, she could get only three top-10 finishes.
The former top-ranked star, who is now No.8 in the world, also was not a factor in her defence of the US Women’s Open title.
Her best result at the Women’s PGA Championship was third behind leaders Lydia Ko and Henderson, who won in a play-off in 2016.
But she could return to form this week after taking a one-week break following a top-10 finish at the ShopRite tournament.
“Ariya Jutanugarn’s game was built for major championships. A long hitter with an incredible short game,” said an article in the tournament organisers’ website www.pga.com.
“In her short career, Ariya has finished inside the top 10 in 40 percent of the majors in which she has competed. She’ll be looking to add a third leg to her major resume at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club.”
Meanwhile, Michelle Wie returns from injury at this week’s Women’s PGA Championship, inspired by a close-up look at the NBA Finals.
The former child prodigy had a courtside seat during the series between the Golden State Warriors and victorious Toronto Raptors. “You just see a lot, and when you’re there behind the scenes you really notice a lot of small things,” said Hawaii-born Wie, who is engaged to Jonnie West, the director of basketball operations for the Warriors.
The 29-year-old will return after taking a two-month break to recover from a trapped nerve in her right hand and wrist.
Wie cannot wait to get back, immensely disappointed at missing the US Women’s Open three weeks ago. “I’m just doing everything I can to get the inflammation down,” said the 2014 US Women’s Open champion.