New name, same tournament as the Kraft-Nabisco Championship becomes the ANA Inspiration. It took me a little bit to get used to the new name, but now I kind of like it. It sounds more prestigious. I hope players who win this tournament get to yell "I am an Inspiration!" as they jump into the pond. The LPGA always seems to fancy this tournament as their own version of The Masters, with a white robe replacing the green jacket. It is probably the most interesting major of the LPGA schedule and has the most prestigious list of past champions, at least in recent years.
Course: The Dinah Shore Course at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. If you ask me, I think this tournament has outgrown this course. It's not difficult for these players anymore. I understand this history surrounding the Dinah Shore Course, so perhaps a redesign is in order.
Alright, we got the boring stuff out of the way. Below are my picks of players who could possibly win this tournament, with a couple of players you may not expect who could content.
True Dark Horse:
Teresa Lu - Her win in Japan two years ago set off a firestorm for Lu, who has gone on to win four times on the JLPGA Tour, including two majors last season. She has regressed slightly, but we have seen that with big players on foreign tours - sometimes they win all they can and get bored. I expect Lu to have a very successful ANA Inspiration and couple, perhaps, look into joining the LPGA Tour next season.
Sleeper:
Mirim Lee - Almost came up with a victory last week, and has shown that she is not intimidated by anyone. It would not be a surprise to those who watch the LPGA regularly if she contends, but casual fans would be taken back a bit by it. Mirim is ready to really break out, and a big finish in a major would go a long way towards doing that.
The Contenders:
Stacy Lewis - You know she's going to be a part of the conversation in some capacity. Former winner of this event once notched a top 10 while still competing as an amateur, so this course fits her game. Had a disappointing Kia Classic by her standards, but Lewis has always been a player who played up to the biggest events on the schedule.
Inbee Park - Much like Lewis, Inbee will always be a part of the conversation in every tournament she plays in. Park made the leap into the pond two years ago as part of the crazy run that saw her win the first three majors of the LPGA season. Has finished in the top 10 in her last four events on Tour, so she's peaking at the right time.
Hyo Joo Kim - Followed up her victory with a top 10 at the Kia Classic. Here is the strangest stat you will hear all year - Kim has won 100% of the majors she has played in. To be fair, the only major she has actually competed in was last years Evian, but if she can win that event with those big name players, then you know she's up for any challenge. The Dinah Shore Course appears to be the kind of course that fits Kim's style.
Se Ri Pak - Sometimes, the stars align and the golfing world gives up the perfect story, and that perfect story this week would be if Se Ri Pak were able to complete the Career Grand Slam by winning the ANA Inspiration. Had an out of nowhere top 10 last week, and seems to be getting better each time she tee's it up. She circled this event for almost a year. This may be her last best opportunity to win this tournament, and I think she has a great shot.
My Champion:
Lydia Ko - It's not a matter of whether or not Ko will win a major this year. It's a matter of how many majors she walks away with. She hasn't posted a single round over par on the LPGA Tour this season, and hasn't finished outside the top 10 in her last ten events. She appears to be the best player on the LPGA Tour at this moment, and a major victory would validate that opinion.
Champion: Lydia Ko
Final Score: -14
Margin Of Victory: 3 strokes
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