'12 LPGA KIA Classic: Random Thoughts And Pics
/
Lexi Tees Off On No. 1 (click image to enlarge)For the second year in a row I took in the KIA Classic and again found the atmosphere to be a refreshing alternative to the self-important PGA Tour. Thursday's opening round afforded several marquee pairings and I tried to catch glimpses of each.
Some totally random observations:
- There's a lot to love about Lexi Thompson's game, but it starts with her no-nonsense pace of play. She also looks to not be caught up in mechanics the way Michelle Wie was.
- Yani Tseng is just too much for the rest right now. She exudes the best of Tiger's perfectionist qualities, she's got a strong short game, an impressive recovery shot ability and even an amazing talent for getting under her playing partner's skin without trying. Suzann Pettersen, no slouch herself after an opening 68 left her one back of co-leading Yani's 67, was peppered with questions about playing partner Yani following the round. After a while it was hard not to feel a little sorry for Pettersen the way you'd sympathize with Tiger's peers when they'd constantly get asked about Tiger.
Father Korda watching daughter Jessica practice. (click image to enlarge)- As disconcerting as the sight of Michelle Wie's parents standing over her at most times, at least they aren't creepy about it. That award goes to Petr Korda, whose brooding presense can't be having a positive impact on his burgeoning-star daughter, Jessica, who seems otherwise upbeat, mature and sensible beyond her years. It's hard not to wonder if her Australian Open win happened in part because dad and his Unabomber chic outfit weren't there to hang around.
- On the other side of the spectrum are Christina Kim and her dad. Golf Channel's new driving range-focused show really needs to capture a practice session when these two, uh, exchange ideas and openly, uh, debate philosophies. Great entertainment!
- The LPGA needs to ignore the governing bodies and institute a local rule forbidding caddies from lining up their players. It remains painful to watch and demeaning to the image of the players, not to mention horrible for photographers trying to take photos when caddies keep muddying up clean backdrops!
Yanni Tseng tees off on No. 8 (click image to enlarge)
Lexi Thompson tees off at No. 1 (click image to enlarge)
**John Strege wonders if anyone can beat Yani as her confidence was apparent in the press room.
Moreover, Tseng seems to be growing more comfortable and by extension confident. "I don't feel as much pressure at the beginning of this year," she said. "I'm enjoying it. I'm always excited for every week, trying to win every tournament. I'm learning from mistakes and every tournament I'm learning something. It's very exciting to see this year what I can improve on my game, what I can improve on my fitness, my mental game, and to see how far I can go."
