World number one Lydia Ko headlines the field in Ann Arbor at the inaugural LPGA Volvik Championsip. The Korean-born New Zealander has enjoyed another great season, but will be hoping to chalk up a victory.
Ko won back-to-back earlier in the season, first at the Kia Classic and then a week later at the ANA Inspiration, which was the year’s first major. She has accumulated a further three top-three finishes to sit top of the money list this season.
There is the expectation that top-10 finishes are the minimum for this exceptionally talented 19-year-old and her tie for 23rd at the Lotte Championship and tie for 18th at the Kingsmill Championship in the last few weeks could be frowned upon.
These performances are her worst this season and indicate how well she has been playing. The concerning issue is that because these finishes have come in two of her last three starts, her rivals may sense a chance at a venue that is new to everyone this week.
The likes of Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie, Inbee Park and Yani Tseng will provide Ko with a lot of competition while Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn is coming off back-to-back wins.
South Africans in the field include Bertine Strauss, Lee-Ann Pace, Ashleigh Simon and Paula Reto.
