Leading Contenders: Player Profiles

By golfdigest.com

July 28, 2008

Mi Hyun Kim (22)

Only player with three top-10 finishes in the majors this year (T-6, T-10, T-6). Has missed the cut in last five British Opens, but was second at Sunningdale in 2001.

Annika Sorenstam (29)

T-2 at Kraft Nabisco and T-3 at the McDonald's, both of which she could have won if she had putted better. Could make her last major a memorable one.

Lorena Ochoa (35)

Hasn't won since the Sybase Classic May 18 but may have recharged her batteries after some time off. Won last year at St. Andrews and was fourth at Sunningdale in '04.

Paula Creamer (37)

A win here to go with three LPGA victories puts her in the Player-of-the-Year race with Ochoa. Likely learned from her painful closing 78 in the U.S. Open.

Seon Hwa Lee (42)

Has quietly emerged as a top-10 player, winning twice this year and four times on the LPGA at the age of 22. MC and T-61 in only two British Opens.

Na Yeon Choi (43)

Remarkably consistent 21-year-old rookie. Worse finish is T-32, in her first event of the year, and has six top-10 finishes. Has never played the British Open.

Cristie Kerr (44)

T-11 at Sunningdale in 2004. Has been in the top five in two of the last three British Opens. Second-best on tour in putts per GIR. Has proven she can win a major

Suzann Pettersen (49)

No LPGA wins this year but has two in Europe. Playing well (fourth in scoring average) and due to have it all come together. Struggled in last three British Opens.

Jee Young Lee (52)

Long hitter who plays majors well, finishing in top 22 in last 10. Was second last year at St. Andrews. If she hits fairways can overpower Sunningdale.

Inbee Park (56)

The 20-year-old U.S. Women's Open champion has finished T-11 (St. Andrews last year) or better in four of her last five majors. Leads in putts per GIR.

Maria Hjorth (57)

Playing the best golf of her 11-year career. T-2 at St. Andrews last year. Second at McDonald's and fourth at Kraft Nabisco this year.

Candie Kung (60)

Eight top-10 finishes in majors. Three wins in 2003 but none since. Hits greens (20th) but needs to make more putts (T-62). T-4 at Turnberry ('02) best British finish.

Morgan Pressel (61)

Only win was the '07 Kraft Nabisco. Does best when conditions are the toughest and par is a good score. Her accuracy off the tee (4th) a huge plus in majors.

Yani Tseng (64)

This 19-year-old rookie beat Hjorth in a playoff to win the McDonalds. Hits greens (11), makes putts (T-19) and that leads to low scores (5). Never played a British Open.

Jeong Jang (68)

Won the '05 British at Birkdale and was fourth at Turnberry in '02. Gives herself opportunities (16 in GIR) and converts (T-7 in putts per GIR). Plays well in the wind.

Brittany Lang (70)

Missed cut in only two British Open tries. Needs greater consistency. Out of the top 45 five times, along with two missed cuts to go with three top 10s.

Karrie Webb (80)

Won British at Turnberry in '02. One of the best ball-strikers in the history of the LPGA. Won five LPGA events in '06 but none since. The putter is the key.

Angela Park (94)

19-year-old was top-five in three of last six majors. Missed the cut at St. Andrews in only British Open. Followed T-3 at U.S. Women's Open with T-4 in Arkansas.

Angela Stanford (98)

Missed the cut in three of last four British Opens, including Sunningdale in '04. Scores remarkably well (22) despite T-62 in putts per GIR.

Karen Stupples (101)

Started final round eagle, double eagle in winning at Sunningdale in '04. Converts her opportunities (T-11 putts (per GIR). A virtual home game for the Englishwoman.

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