Stiff competition for coveted places in 2008 Lexus Cup
The US$1.7 million Safeway Classic presented by Pepsi is the first win of the season for the 12-year Tour veteran. Kerr made a remarkable comeback from being four shots off the lead at the start of the final day. The American quickly made four consecutive birdies on the front nine and then four more on the back nine to put her into serious contention.
Cristie Kerr said about winning “I'm just elated. You know, I've put so much work into my game this year with my short game, and I work with a new mental coach, Dr. Joe Parent, I was much calmer finishing today.”
It was also a good day for Sweden’s Helen Alfredsson's as her second-place pushes her over the US$1,000,000 earnings for the year. This also gives her valuable Rolex Ranking Points which increases her chance of automatically qualifying for the prestigious Lexus Cup which takes place in Singapore at the end of the year. Alfredsson has never been selected for the Lexus Cup, but her good form this year has increased her chances of being chosen for Team International.
The Lexus Cup will make its return to Singapore in 2008 from the 28th till 30th of November. The tournament will be held at the illustrious Singapore Island Country Club, Bukit Location. The tournament pits Team Asia against Team International, over three exciting days of match play golf in foursomes, fourballs and singles
Captain of Team international Annika Sorenstam will be happy with the international players’ performance in this week’s tournament. Many finished high up the leader board and are playing well against the tough Asian opponents. Annika Sorenstam herself put in an outstanding final round to show what good form she has been in recently and finished tied 6th at 7-under.
Although no members of Team Asia finished in the top three of the leader board they can be happy with their overall performance. Hee-Won Han did no harm to her chances of selection for the Lexus Cup. Han finished outright fifth to climb further up the Rolex Rankings. Han played in Team Asia under captain Grace Park in 2005 and 2006 but missed out in 2007, she will be hoping to make it back on the team this year.
Asian women have had somewhat the upper hand over their international rivals this season taking three of the year’s majors. They are also well represented on the LPGA Money List with 12 of the top 20 coming from Asia. The Asians are hoping to continue their good form in the Lexus Cup and retain the title for the third year. Having won in 2006 in Singapore and last year in Perth, Australia, Team Asia will be determined to make sure the trophy stays in Asia.
Team International have plenty of reasons of their own for wanting to win. This year's Lexus Cup will be captain Annika Sorenstam's last official LPGA event as a professional golfer before she steps away from competitive golf. As the only ever captain for Team International, they will want to make sure that this golfing legend has a victorious send off.
The 2008 Lexus Cup is officially sanctioned by the LPGA as its season-ending event. Selection for places in both the International and Asian teams is based on the Rolex Women's World Rankings and the LPGA Official Money List, along with captain's picks and sponsors exemptions. Team Captains Annika Sorenstam and Se Ri Pak will lead the teams of 12 players over the three-day tournament, competing in fourball, foursomes and singles.
