2013 LPGA Golf: Suzann Pettersen Rolling To Rolex Number One
By Les Bailey
The Rolex Rankings and The Official World Golf Rankings(OWGR) are a little like the old BCS. mathematical formulas, and computer charts that rate a golfer’s status in a world that is filled with players from every corner of the globe. Inbee Park has been in the number one position for 27 weeks on the LPGA Tour, but I think her days are numbered. Since missing the cut at the US Women’s Open back in June, Suzann Pettersen has been on a mission, and Inbee Park is just trying to hang on until the season ends.
The 27 year-old Norwegian finished tied for third place at The SIME Darby LPGA Malaysia this past weekend, but the finish moved her past Stacy Lewis who tied for sixth at the tournament in Kuala Lumpur. Number one Inbee Park, finished tied for 32nd place.
Since missing the cut on Long Island, Pettersen has not finished outside of the top ten, and put two wins in a row together at the Safeway Classic presented by Coca Cola, and the year’s final major at the Evian Championship.
Other than a third place finish at the Reignwood Classic last week, Inbee Park has not had a top ten finish since her three in a row victories that ended at the US Women’s Open in June. Strong play by both Pettersen, and Stacy Lewis are putting pressure on the young South Korean to maintain her number one status.
Other than the W/D Stacy Lewis had at the CN Canadian Women’s Open, she has also finished in the top ten in every event since her T 42 finish at the US Women’s Open, including her win at St. Andrews in July. A lucky shot, and unruly fans probably cost her a win at the Reignwood last week.
With five tournaments left on the 2013 LPGA schedule, the Rolex rankings are certainly up for grabs. The number four and five ranked players, So Yeon Ryu and Na Yeon Choi have had dazzling moments down the stretch, but neither have had the consistency to overtake the top three.
If you haven’t gotten into the LPGA yet, you need to check this out. It’s going to be a shootout right up to the end!
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