Course: Sentosa Country Club, a par 72 lay out that always looks like it is in pristine conditions. At 6,600 yards, it provides an equal level of challenges for the bombers and the short game experts. Take birdies when they are available, but try not to get too greedy or you'll end up losing shots on the field. Somewhere around -10 should be the champion.
Strength Of Field: A. First event of the season where all of the main players are here. Only thing stopping this from being an A+ field is that it is a limited field event, and therefore has no cut. Still, the people in Singapore are in for an all star treat.
Other tidbits: Suzann Pettersen has the ability to get to number one in the world this week with a victory, provided Inbee Park finishes outside the Top 3. Suzann has not performed well the past two weeks, but with her skills and her work ethic, it is always possible that she snags a victory, even when you least expect it...Stacy Lewis, the defending champion, is currently on a streak of 13 straight top 10 finishes on the LPGA Tour. Three more, and she will tie the record of 16, currently held by Karrie Webb...The winner of the HSBC Women's Champions receives something called the "Champion of Champions" Title. I think that is similar to the Open Championship "Champion Golfer Of The Year" distinction...JiYai Shin makes her first start on the LPGA Tour since giving up her status.
Fantasy Four:
Stacy Lewis - 13 straight top 10's, as well as the defending champion. There is a formula here that you do not mess with. Until I see Stacy start to struggle, she will always have a spot in this list.
Inbee Park - I initially was going to leave her off of my Fantasy Four due to her history in this event, but her runner up finish last week, coupled with the fact that she could lose her number one ranking this week, convinced me that Inbee should have another solid week.
Michelle Wie - I am going all in with Ms. Wie this week, whose 2014 season has been incredibly solid thus far. I stated in my "5 Predictions" post that I think Michelle will win in 2014, and this week may be as good of a week as any.
Lydia Ko - Has showed no problems adjusting to the pro lifestyle. She'll start entering the longest stretch of golf in her career soon, but is young enough to not worry about fatigue. Asian swing is playing like a home game for Lydia.
(SLEEPER) JiYai Shin - A sleeper not based on talent, but based on circumstances. Where is JiYai's head at? Has she been playing and practicing while the LPGA pros were in the Bahamas and Australia? Could enter the tournament rusty and clouded, or refreshed and free swinging. Past champion with as much talent as anyone in the field.
HSBC is a bank, though it has more of a presence in Asia than anywhere else even though it is listed on both the Hong Kong and London stock markets. The name is actually an acronym of its original 1865 name, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
ReplyDelete