Ricoh Women’s British Open 2012: Europeans steel for tough battle at Wirral
European female golfers may only be running a limited schedule this LET (Ladies European Tour) this season, but they are making the most their opportunities, as the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) provides them plenty of time to pay attention to events outside the region.
The Ricoh Women’s British Open 2012, which is scheduled to start from September 13-16, is going to have a different feel from the LET events — mainly because of the presence of players from across the globe. Although the much-hyped tournament is being staged in Europe, Wirral, United Kingdom, the field will typically pit top-ranked LPGA contenders against each other.
So, the British Open 2012 should be no different than any other major LPGA event. However, it remains to be seen how European contenders make the most of this opportunity, as they will be enjoying massive crowd support and their experience with the course.
There are plenty of Europeans in the British Open roster, but the key contenders who are capable of cutting their rivals down size include Scottish Catriona Matthew, Suzann Pettersen and Melissa Reid.
Matthew can pose a serious challenge to the current world number one Yani Tseng who is the defending champion. Tseng clinched two straight British Open titles in 2010 and 2011, but her performance has been marred by poor finishes in some of the recent tournaments. The slump in Tseng’s performance may not benefit other players, but Europeans, especially Matthew will enter the field with confidence.
Matthew won the 2009 edition of the tournament. More importantly, she is performing well in the current season. Although she has not been able to win any LPGA event so far in 2012, her record at the LET is pretty solid keeping her confidence high.
Matthew won the Ladies Irish Open — an LET event — in August 2012.
Another favourite European contender is Suzann Pettersen. Hailing from Norway, Pettersen boasts a stunning profile as she has recorded 8 LPGA victories so far. As far as the LET goes, the Norwegian star is almost as good because she has clinched 5 titles.
On the LPGA Tour, Pettersen has been winless since her last victory at the Safeway Classic in August 2011, where she outrivaled Na Yeon Choi of South Korea in playoff.
Tags: