Showdown Heating Up

Karrie Webb vs. Annika Sorenstram vs. Se Ri Pak

It is interesting to watch the heated competition among the world’s big three female pro golfers.

Yesterday the first round of the Women’s British Open got started, the last major of the LPGA Tour season, at Lytham St. Anne’s Golf Club in England.

Se Ri Pak, winner of four majors, including the Women`s British Open in 2001, was 3-under par on four birdies and one bogey. Though Pak got off to a shaky start, she later caught up. On the 11th hole, she birdied her 2m chip shot, and holed consecutive birdies from the 14th to the 16th holes. She was especially effective at long distance putts on this day, showing her improved putting ability.

Pak, who has not finished in the top ten of any of the three majors this year, said, "I feel great. I think I have come back to my place."

Webb, the defending champion and a three-time winner of the Open, shot a 5-under 67 Thursday and shared the first-round lead with Wendy Ward. Webb cut down five shots in four par-5 holes. Webb first won the tournament at Woburn in her rookie season in 1995. If she successfully defends her title, she will set another record: winning at least one major each year for five consecutive years.

Sorenstram, aiming to nab another Grand Slam, secured third place, with a 4-under on six birdies and two bogeys. Despite her recent dwindling stamina problem, she had 15 chances for birdie, and demonstrated her excellence again and again.

Other Korean golfers such as Soo-Yon Kang an Hee-Chung Park jointly secured the 11th position, while Young Yang and Chung Lee finished the round at 23rd.

On the other hand, Grace Park and Hee-Won Han had awful rounds. Park, for example, slid back to 70th place, and Han finished at 88th. Contrary to many predictions, there was almost no wind blowing through the day, and 34 of the 144 participant gofers scored under-par.

Pak, as of 5 p.m. yesterday, was holding on to third place, while Sorenstram had fallen behind Pak.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com