International Golfers to Watch at the US Open
In past years in women’s golf tournaments, American women have not been able to bring a level of playing competition that is required for the sport.
Although American Cristie Kerr is ranked in the number one position, according to the women’s Rolex Rankings, if we look at the rest of the rankings for a prediction of who the winner might be at this year's women's US Open, the odds seem slim that an American will take home the trophy.
That being said, let’s take a look at two golfers who seem like they can completely lock the Americans out of the tournament.
Ai Miyazato
Ai Miyazato has four wins in 2010 and finished third at the LPGA Championship. According to the Rolex women’s rankings, Miyazato is ranked second overall and in her last four major championships has had three top-six finishes, so it seems highly likely that the odds will swing in her favour at this year’s tournament.
The Japanese player has had five wins in the last two seasons, and is starting to dominate as a golfer the way that Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sorenstam have, as well as in a way that most generally thought that she would have way back in 2006 when she made the leap from Japan to the LPGA Tour.
“When I started playing in the States, that’s when I really started thinking about being No. 1,” Miyazato said.
“That became a dream of mine, especially watching Annika (Sorenstam) and Lorena play. Now that I am No. 1, I still can’t believe it, but I do feel very comfortable with it.”
“Ai is not only one of the greatest golfers out here, but she is such a good person,” said Paula Creamer, at her first tournament since surgery on her left thumb in March.
“Japan should be so proud because she represents her country to the highest level,” Creamer said. "And you know, I know Ai really well. She’s a good friend of mine, so to see her succeed, and when she went through that rough patch a couple years ago, it’s amazing how she’s totally overcome all of that.”
“I believe in myself and the game and no matter what the situation is or the pressure is I feel like I can play my game,” said Miyazato.
Miyazato had a final total of 16-under 197 and had earlier wins this year in Thailand, Singapore and Mexico. Her first LPGA win came last year in France. She also knocked Jiyai Shin of South Korea out of her position, to claim second position in the rankings, right behind American Cristie Kerr.
Jiyai Shin
As Jiyai Shin is ranked third right behind Miyazato, it would seem odd if we didn’t include her as one of our international players to watch. The Korean player took over the top spot after Ochoa retired earlier this year to focus on starting a family, and just prior to that, Shin was able to end Ochoa’s 158 week consecutive run at the top of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.
While South Koreans have consistently dominated the LPGA, Shin is the first player from her country to hold the top ranking and just the third player to be No. 1 since the rankings were first released in February of 2006.
Although she is only 22 years-old, Shin can add several major championships to her impressive list of accomplishments. She won the 2008 British Open, and has four other top-10s, including a sixth in her first US Open. Another great driver of the golf ball, Shin has finished in the top-five six times in eight tournaments this season.
Shin also became the first non-LPGA member to win three events when she won the Women's British Open last August. And she was able to follow up that win with wins in the Mizuno Classic and ADT Championship, as well as the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore. It was her first victory as a tour member.
Look for Miyazato and Shin to cause quite a stir this week at the Women's US Open.
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