[ad_1]
Laura Davies has praised the strength of European golf ahead of a busy major tournament and backed Lynne Grant to perform well in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
The women’s major season continues this week at Sahalii Country Club. Live on Sky SportsThe players can boost their Olympic and Solheim Cup qualification hopes with a strong performance.
Linnea Strom is the only European player to win on the LPGA Tour this season, but two-time KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner Laura Davis argues there are several European Solheim Cup players who could have a shot at winning a major.
“Of course, a win will be a great confidence boost for the girls, [Europe] “We have some players who are doing great on the LPGA Tour and some young players who are playing on the Ladies European Tour.” Davies told Sky Sports.
“A win begets a win, but we don’t need to worry too much as Nelly Korda has been in such good form all year. There has been no other nationality winner apart from Korda. She has won six times in a row and the others have not had much of a chance!”
Use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
As world number one Nelly Korda seeks her first title at the U.S. Women’s Open in Pennsylvania this week, we look back on her incredible season so far.
“If Korda performs like she did before those two qualifying losses, we’ll see her play Lynn Grant in the final on Sunday. It’s time for Lynn to take the next step and move up to the next level, because I think she has the potential to be ranked No. 1 in the world one day.”
Anna Nordqvist, Georgia Hall, Nanna Keltz-Madsen and Carlota Ciganda all come into this week coming off top-20 finishes in Major LPGA Classics, and Davis is impressed with the quality of European players competing on the LPGA Tour.
Use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Carlota Ciganda played some great golf on the 16th and 17th holes to win the points Europe needed to defend the trophy after beating Nelly Korda in the Solheim Cup singles last September.
“There’s a lot of good players in Europe at the moment,” Davis said. “Charlie Hull is probably the most talented player and Maya Stark had a really good run at the Chevron Championships earlier this year and has really impressed.”
“Grant just won the Scandinavian mixed tournament in Sweden and when you look at the main contenders, you can’t really write her off. Alexandra Forsterling is one of those players who could be in the running to win if she keeps up her form because she’s played some incredible golf tournaments.”
“Leona Maguire is certainly one of the best players in the European team in match play, but I think she should win more and has a great chance on tough courses.”
Can Leona Maguire win her first major championship at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship?
What else is at stake this week?
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is the final opportunity to earn qualification points for the women’s golf competition at the Paris Olympics and is one of three major tournaments remaining to qualify for the Solheim Cup in September this year.
Suzann Pettersen’s European team will be made up of the top two players on the European points list, the next six in the world rankings and four players selected by the captain, with the full roster to be announced after the AIG Women’s Open in August.
Use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Suzann Pettersen reflects on Europe’s continuing dominance in the Solheim Cup and the dramatic draw in Spain.
“In women’s tennis, there are a lot of major tournaments in a short period of time, so the world rankings tend to fluctuate a little bit,” Davis explained. [qualification] You can earn tons of points and skyrocket your way up the world rankings.
“If you win a major tournament, you get big points in the world rankings and you can easily jump three, four or five players. You’re on the brink of breaking into the top 100 and if you win that tournament, it could really catapult you into the Solheim Cup standings.”
Are European teams aiming for the Solheim Cup?
Pettersen’s side won back-to-back Solheim Cup titles in 2019 and 2021, defending the trophy in a dramatic 14-14 draw in Spain last September, and Davies is excited about how Team Europe is doing heading into this year’s tournament.
Use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The best action from day three of the 2023 Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin in Spain, as Team Europe retained the championship trophy.
“We had a huddle at the venue a couple of weeks ago and we had 10 or 11 players, which was impressive because it’s obviously a busy time for the players,” Davis said. “I don’t think there will be any big changes to the squad compared to last time, just a couple of guys coming in and a couple of guys going out.”
“We have a lot of girls doing well at the moment. This golf course is long and we have a team of long-distance hitters. We’ve hosted a lot of tournaments here and we love it because length is a big advantage on a long, undulating golf course!”
Women’s Professional Golf Championship Live
Thursday, June 20th, 11pm
“We have good depth, but we’re probably going to have to leave out a couple of really good players. Obviously they’re good players and they’re having a good season, so that’s not good for them, but it’s a good problem to have for Susan. She’s doing well.”
“We have a lot of great players on the U.S. team, but not all of our best players are in their best positions right now. In my opinion, if I were to name 12 players who I think we’ll be playing at this stage, and that will change as we get closer to the games, I definitely think we’re a team that can win at home and away.”
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be shown live on Sky Sports all week long. Live coverage begins on Thursday at 9pm on the Red Button and 11pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the LPGA Tour, major tournaments and more on NOW.
[ad_2]
Source link
