LPGA giants gearing up for Lotte Championship at Hawaii
The Kraft Nabisco ended with a flurry of excitement, with the big names on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) taking time off for the next battle, slated to be held from April 18-21 at Ko Olina Golf Club in Oahu.
The next tournament is the LPGA Lotte Championship that is expected to pit competent players against each other for a big prize. The field of the event is expected to feature leading LPGA contenders.
The current world number one Yani Tseng, who played well, finishing for the third in the Kraft Nabisco Championship, is taking rest to prepare herself for the battle at Hawaii.
Tseng was among the hot favourites to win the first major championship of the 2012 season, but she could not live up to her fans’ expectations.
Analysts said that the Taiwanese star might have been under pressure due to high expectations from her. Tseng was seeking to record her third straight victory at the Mission Hills Country Club.
Although the weather conditions were a little tougher for players, the top-ranked star did not appear to be in trouble and made comfortable strokes in most of the holes.
Lotte Championship can provide Tseng with plenty of opportunities to record her fourth victory of the 2012 season, but the field will be featuring players notorious for putting up a tough fight.
Lotte is a globally known industrial group based in Korea and Japan. The conglomerate established a partnership with the LPGA Tour and came up with the $1.7 million tournament.
According to the details, the tournament’s roster will feature 144 players that include professionals and rookies.
Analysts said that although the Lotte Championship is going to kicked off its debut edition, the prize money is hefty enough to lure players.
Another glaring aspect is that the LPGA is making a comeback to Hawaii after a break of three years — something fans and officials have appreciated.
LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan expressed his excitement over the return of female golf in Hawaii, saying players and Hawaii will gain the much-needed boost.
“As Lotte sets its sights on global expansion, we couldn’t be more proud to be their business partner in this venture, and we look forward to spreading their brand and other businesses together on a global stage,” Whan said.
Tags: