Course: Las Colinas Country Club, measuring at 6,400 yards. Three keys this week: Putting, putting, putting. The players are going to have birdie opportunities, and you're going to need to convert them if you want any chance. If you're playing well, you should be able to hit the fairway, as course is generally pretty wide open; however, wayward shots will be punished.
Strength Of Field: B-. Lexi Thompson returns, but two time winners Karrie Webb and Anna Nordqvist take the week off, as does last weeks winner Lydia Ko. Paula Creamer withdrew earlier this week. Inbee, Stacy, and Suzann all tee it up this week.
Extra Tidbits: This event has an interesting cut system, with a first cut coming Friday down to the top 70 players, and a second cut to the top 50 players on Saturday. Players who make the first cut and miss the second are still given credit for a made cut and will get paid as such...Lexi Thompson returns to action this week, the first tournament since winning the Kraft Nabisco Championship...Last year, Inbee Park fired a -4 67 to clip Carlota Ciganda, who was in control of the tournament until the back 9 on Sunday.
Fantasy Four:
1) Stacy Lewis - Came close, once again, last week. Leads the Race For The CME Globe standings without posting a victory. Has finished outside the top 10 only once this season. Being passed by Ko in the Rolex Rankings should give her extra motivation this week.
2) Lexi Thompson - Either feast or famine for Lexi, who has three top 10 finishes this season to go along with three finishes outside the top 25 and one missed cut. Will either be rested and relaxed following her major victory, or the distractions will be too much for her. If she is focused and playing her best, she is unbeatable.
3) Inbee Park - Defending champion and world number 1 somehow flying under the radar thanks to Thompson, Wie, and Ko. Has finished outside the top 10 just once this season, but zero wins this season has her ranked 9th in the Race To The CME Globe standings.
4) Michelle Wie - Hasn't finished outside the Top 16 in any start this season. Followed up a victory in Hawaii with a T9 at the Swinging Skirts. One week removed from victory should give Wie a breather from the publicity. Ranks 3rd in the CME Globe, 1st in official money, and, most importantly, 2nd in scoring average.
(SLEEPER) Mo Martin - Has only missed one cut this season. Appears to be one round away from putting together a really good tournament. Has a game similar to Ciganda's, who almost won the event last season. I think she'll be the "who?" name at the end of the week sandwiched on the leaderboard by a bunch of huge names.
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