Wednesday Preview - Ricoh Women's British Open

The third majors of the year for the LPGA is upon us, as the Women's British Open has been moved up this year to allow for better weather. It was only two tournaments ago that the ladies were playing the US Women's Open, so there is no rest for the weary. Who will get her shot at glory?

Course: Royal Birkdale, one of the easiest courses on the Open Championship rotation. The ladies will have par 5s on three of the last four holes, meaning there will be tons of birdies to be had out there. Jeong Jang won the championship in 2005 with a score of 16 under par.

Strength Of Field: B+. Can't give it an A based on the lack of some of the big name players from the Asian tours. For a tournament outside of the US, it seems to be the least global major on the schedule, as the field is made up primarily of players from the US and European Tours.

Extra Tidbits: Despite Stacy Lewis' fantastic season, her hold of the number one position is not secure. If she finishes fourth or worse, Lydia Ko could take over the Rolex Rankings with a victory...Michelle Wie has stated that she will hit stinger 5 woods off the tee instead of the usual driver due to the high levels of rough. Wie supposedly has one of the best stinger shots on Tour, but is rarely used in the states...Three players in the field have won a major at Royal Birkdale - Jeong Jang, Dame Laura Davies, and Yani Tseng.

Fantasy Four:

Stacy Lewis - Repeating as champion is difficult to do in golf, but I don't see any reason to think Stacy Lewis can't do it. She's the top player on Tour, she's coming in on a hot streak, and she's playing at a golf course that rewards risk taking and allows for plenty of birdies. This seems tailored for a Lewis defense.

Michelle Wie - Hasn't finished outside of second place in the first two majors of the season. Almost won two weeks ago until her long schedule caught up to her. Has figured out a strategy to compete on this golf course. This course is set up more for her style than Pinehurst was. 

Lydia Ko - I still can't envision a 17 year old winning a major, but this course with Ko's style of play could put that at risk. If the fairways dry out, Ko will be able to run the ball low. 

Karrie Webb - Has cooled off since her start where she won twice, but her driving distance will not put her at a disadvantage this week. Has nerves of steel, which will be required to putt on these surfaces. I never count Webb out as a possible contender. 

(SLEEPER) Stephanie Meadow - Followed up her third place finish at the US Open with a top 10 last week on the LET Tour. Turned around and got into the field via sectional qualifying on Monday. I know very little about her, but I'm interested in seeing if she can keep up the pace.