Mobile Bay LPGA Classic: Angela Stanford determined to repeat 2008 performance
The 2008 champ Angela Stanford and other formidable LPGA stars appear set to enter the field of the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic, slated to start from April 26-29, at the Magnolia Grove’s Crossings Course, with eyes on the title.
Since the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic has been a favourite event among most of the LPGA players, analysts have predicted that the tournament is going to stage a tough battle.
Observers said that one player who can pose a serious challenge to the contenders is Angela Stanford. Stanford won the 2008 edition of the tournament that was called Bell Micro LPGA Classic at the time.
Stanford may find it hard to regain her lost momentum in this year’s tournament, as the field confirmed for this year is quite strong.
According to the details, the players who have confirmed their participation include Karrie Webb, Lexi Thompson, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Christina Kim and Se Ri Pak.
The 144-player field is without Yani Tseng and Michelle Wie at the moment, but the officials have said that Tseng must show her commitment for the event.
Tournament officials have said that the roster still needs plenty of competent players — especially Americans.
“Anytime you have the top American players Cristie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Stacy Lewis and Brittany Lincicome (all ranked in the top 10 of the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings), plus crowd favorites like Christina Kim, Morgan Pressel and Natalie Gulbis, we
are in for a great week of entertaining golf in Mobile,” Tournament Director Jonathan Romeo said.
Analysts have also said that Tseng’s participation will spice up the Mobile Classic, as the event will be even tougher due to the presence of big names in the roster.
They said that Stanford is a talented player, as she had shown in the last edition that she can bounce back even in tougher situations.
The 34-year-old American played a decent game, finishing tied for the 13th. She performed surprisingly well in the third round, as she carded a 68, consolidating her position on the leaderboard.
She opened the round by scoring a bogey, but soon regained her composure and shot two straight birdies on the par-5 6th and par-4 7th holes.
On the back nine of the third round, Stanford stunned her fans by draining an eagle on the 5th hole. On the final hole she shot another birdie.
Despite the strong field, analysts have said that Stanford can record yet another victory. They also said that the presence of talented players may trouble the experienced star.
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