LPGA Has Another Exciting Weekend

Things are really looking up for the LPGA, with the second playoff in as many weeks. This week, Meena Lee edged out Seon Hwa Lee to win the Fields Open.

Meena Lee closed on Seon Hwa Lee with a 7-under 65 to force a playoff. Three holes later, the 24-year-old Meena Lee had a victory over the 20-year-old Seon Hwa Lee. Michelle Wie finished one stroke out, in third. Nicole Castrale, Lorena Ochoa, Julieta Granada and Natalie Gulbis all were tied for fourth. Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel were notables in a large pack tied for 11th.

I don’t think the LPGA could be any happier. It’s 20-somethings were all bunched together at the top. Wie and Pressel had their showdown, as the two played together. And Wie didn’t win. I can’t imagine the LPGA being really pleased if a non-member had won an LPGA event.

I also think it’s interesting that Koreans have won the first two LPGA events of the year, and that they have figured so strongly up and down the leaderboard. It speaks well of South Korea’s junior girls golf programs.

Next week, the tour is off to Mexico City, and Annika Sorenstam will make her first appearance. She’s likely to win, for she dominates the sport as no other. Sadly, neither Wie, nor Pressel will be there. But the way the Korean contingent is playing, they could give Sorenstam a run for her money.