Asian players likely to steal the show at US Women’s Open 2012
The US Women’s Open 2012, which is set to begin from July 5-8, at Blackwolf Run, Kohler, is going to feature plenty of Asian golfers, who are likely to overshadow their American rivals.
The current world number one Yani Tseng, a Taiwanese native, is hot favourite for the coveted title, and she is likely to give her rivals a run for their money.
South Korean So Yeon Ryu, who is the defending champion of the US Open, has vowed to repeat her last-year performance at Kohler. Although Ryu has not been able to record any victory in the 2012 season, she appears to be brimming with confidence and will try to give a tough time to other contenders.
Another prominent figure in the US Open roster is South Korean Se Ri Pak. Pak won the 1998 edition of the major tournament, and she still appears to be as determined as she has ever been.
Having racked up five major events so far, the South Korean star ranks among the favourite contenders for the title.
Analysts said that the US players seem to have lost their charisma in women’s golf over the past couple of years, which Asian players have fully capitalised on, seizing several spots in the top 100 of world rankings.
Speaking to a press conference this Tuesday, Pak said that she is quite confident going into the major battle, as she knows that there will be plenty of her fellow South Koreans to keep her momentum going.
The LPGA titan was keen to point out that playing her country is what keeps her interested in the sport.
"It's everybody. They say, 'I'm playing golf because of Se Ri,'' Pak shared. ''I had a lot of pressure because I don't know (if) I'm leading the right way. That was the biggest (concern). Now I feel really proud and very happy. I'm very proud of them, of my country''.
On the other hand, American Cristie Kerr also seems to be heavily influenced by Asian golfers. Kerr said that she believes that it is the Asians, who are going to make a difference in the results of the US Open.
''Golf has become such an international sport, especially in Asia. They're just crazy for golf over there. It's a very global thing now. We have a really talented tour, an international tour,'' the American star said.
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