The world’s best players headed by world No. 1 Ariya Jutanugarn have begun arriving in Adelaide for the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at The Grange’s west course.
Thailand’s Jutanugarn, a winner of 10 LPGA titles already, ground out some practice on the putting green today after arriving alone with her sister Moriya, also an outstanding LPGA Tour player, ranked 19th in the world.
Four of the world’s top 10 players are in the field for the $US1.3 million tournament which begins on Thursday – Jutanugarn, England’s Georgia Hall, South Korean Jin Young Ko and Australia’s Minjee Lee. Eight of the world’s top 20 are in the field.
The 23-year-old Lee will be seeking out her first national title having already won four times around the world on the LPGA Tour and risen to No. 7 in the world rankings. She missed the third round cut at 13th Beach last week and will be anxious to atone for a rare disappointing performance.
World No. 9 Brooke Henderson of Canada has officially withdrawn from the Open because of illness, having also pulled out of the ISPS Handa Vic Open last week.
Henderson informed organisers that she was having treatment for her illness but could not make the trip.
The Grange is in superb condition for Thursday’s opening round which will be broadcast live on ABC TV.
Click here to view the entry list as of Monday 11 February 2019.