LPGA: Preps for Phoenix

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LPGA Founders Cup

*The LPGA returns to Phoenix, Arizona this week to tip off the start of their domestic schedule for 2012. 

The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup is in its second year and this year thankfully it will begin with a lot less controversy.  Last year the tournament debuted with the intention of honoring the thirteen founders that formed the LPGA tour in 1950, though with that the ladies were asked to play the tournament with a “mock purse”.  It was met with mixed reactions and caused some of the star players to suddenly have other plans that week. This year the tour has wisely added a $1.5 million purse as well as $500,000 being donated to the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program.

*With the start of the domestic season beginning, the tour will see its first full field event. Defending champion is veteran Karrie Webb whose victory last year in Phoenix brought her career total to 38 professional titles.  This is the 4^th event of the LPGA season which has so far seen victories from Jessica Korda, Yani Tseng and Angela Stanford.

Caddy Swap:

*Suzann Pettersen has a new caddy this year that may be able to provide some extra insight on how to become the No. 1 player in the world. Carrying her bag is Terry McNamara who caddied for former No. 1 and Hall of Fame player Annika Sorenstam. Lexi Thompson also has a new man on her bag beginning this week, veteran caddy Greg Johnston. Thompson's dad Scott who had been in charge of hauling his daughters clubs for the past two years is stepping back to assist her older brother Nicholas. Nicholas is currently playing on the Nationwide Tour and is hoping some fatherly insight will boost him back to the big leagues.  

Hall of Fame Watch:

*The tour has been without one of its most recognizable players this year with the absence of Hall of Fame player Juli Inkster. Inkster underwent surgery late in January to repair nerve and tendon damage to her right elbow. This is remarkably the first major absence from the tour Inkster has experienced in almost thirty years as a professional. Despite the injury, retirement doesn't seem to be in her immediate future as the 51 year old is aiming to return to the tour by late summer. 

*This week marks eleven years since Annika Sorenstam shot a 59 during the second round at the Moon Valley Country Club, recording the lowest round in LPGA history. 

RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, March 15-18th on the Golf Channel, check local listings.

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