Wednesday Preview - Walmart NW Arkansas Championship

The ladies of the LPGA get to wrap and heal their wounds as they move on from Pinehurst and head to Arkansas for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G. It is the only event between the US Women's Open and the British Open.

Course: Pinnacle Country Club, which measures at 6,400 yards. Seeing as this event is sandwiched between two majors, it is the only opportunity for players to make birdies in bunches. Expect the winning score to be well under par.

Strength Of Field: A. It is surprising to me that so many players are here this week, with majors book ending the event. Perhaps the players think it is better to play than it is to rest. 19 of the top 20 in the world are playing this week.

Extra Tidbits: Michelle Wie will play this week despite the media tour she has been on since winning the US Women's Open...This is the second three round tournament of the year. The event will begin on Friday...The two sponsor's exemptions this week goes to two player who play for the University of Arkansas - Emily Tubert and Gabby Lopez. They both played in last years event, with Tubert finishing T48, and Lopez missing the cut. Meanwhile, Ariya Jutaguarn Monday qualified for the 5th time this season.

Fantasy Four:

So Yeon Ryu - Was out-dueled by Inbee Park last year in the midst of Park's historic month. Finish T5 last week despite not really being in contention until the very end. The perfect event, course, and set up for Ryu to finally notch her third win on Tour.

Stacy Lewis - A relative home game for Lewis, who went to school at the University of Arkansas. Is perfect in birdie or bust courses. Won the previous 54 hole tournament this season. Has a history of rebounding from near misses and translating them into victories.

Shanshan Feng - First round last week was what stopped Feng from being a contender last week. Still finished solidly. Has been trending upwards. Has the ability to go incredibly low on birdie or bust courses. 

Lexi Thompson - I wonder about Lexi's ability to perform at 54 hole tournaments, but is still among the best when on her game. Found a way to notch a top 10 despite playing poorly by her standards. The first round will determine her success - if she can get off to a good start, she'll be in contention the entire week.

(SLEEPER) Xi Yu Lin - Made the cut in two of the last three tournaments, including a top 25 in her most recent tournament. Seems to be getting more comfortable competing on the LPGA Tour. Three round tournaments can be great for contenders that are not among the best in the world. Did not compete in the US Open, so should be rested.