Webb primed for 2013 Women’s British Open

2013 Ricoh Women’s British Open Preview: Leaderboard

KARRIE WEBB probably couldn’t be more in form heading into the 2013 Ricoh Women’s British Open at St Andrews this week.

The Australian Hall of Famer is looking to do a Phil Mickelson and win back to back British  titles after taking out the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters last week, her third win of the year.

The 38 year old had a scintillating final round 7-under 65 that included two eagles at the event at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club in Denham, England..

“My lead up has gone as well as I could have hoped for. I added the European Masters to my schedule quite late so I could adjust to the British conditions and get some tournament golf under my belt. I achieved all of that and topped it off with a win. So feeling good about things heading into Thursday.” Webb said from St Andrews.

Webb, has a fantastic record in the Open Championship, having won the title three times, 1995, 1997 (when it wasn’t a major) and 2002.

She will be competing for her eight major win and her first for seven years.

The other Aussies lining up this week are Katherine Hull, Lindsey Wright, Sarah-Jane Smith, Bree Arthur, Nikki Campbell, Whitney Hillier, Sarah Kemp and Stacey Keating.

Inbee Park gunning for historic “grand slam”

The Aussies will face some stiff opposition at the Old Course, not the least from Inbee Park, who will be shooting for an historic fourth straight major.

The 25-year-old South Korean is seeking become the first golfer – male or female – to win four professional major championships in a single season.

“I’m really looking forward to going there and playing for the fourth major win,” Park said. “Not many people, not many golfers get that kind of opportunity, winning three majors and going for a calendar grand slam at the British Open on such a historic golf course.”

Only Mickey Wright (1961-62) and Tiger Woods (2000-2001) have won four consecutive professional major championships, though not in one calendar year. Bobby Jones won four major championships in a single season in 1930 including two amateur events, then considered majors.

Park, who won the 2012 LPGA Official Money List and Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average, became the first LPGA player in the modern era to win the first three majors in a season at the U.S. Women’s Open in June. Babe Zaharias, the only other player to accomplish the feat, did it in 1950 when she won all three majors played that year.

Park’s major championship run began with her four stroke victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship in April, continued with a three hole playoff victory at the Wegmans LPGA Championship in New York.

The Women’s British Open is the fourth of five majors this year and there is debate whether Park will need to capture all five for a true season grand slam.

Women’s British Open Australian TV Times

Live TV Coverage in Australia on Fox Sports.

1st Round: Thursday, 10pm – 2.30pm. 2nd Round: Friday, 10pm – 2.30pm. 3rd Round: Saturday, 11.30 – 3am. Final Round: Sunday 11pm – 3am.

Women’s British Open Leaderboard