Date: May 29, 2008
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Whitaker set for LPGA debut among world’s best

Golf Australia National Squad member Alison Whitaker is set to make her LPGA debut at the Ginn Tribute hosted by ANNIKA this week after her maiden tournament win in March and subsequent sponsor&aposs invitation to the event. Whitaker broke through to win the University of Florida Challenge at RedTail Golf Club which will now see her rub shoulders with the likes of Hall of Famers Karrie Webb, Juli Inkster and Se Ri Pak, world number three Suzann Pettersen as well as tournament host Annika Sorenstam at RiverTowne Country Club, South Carolina. World number one Lorena Ochoa was set to play but was unfortunately a late withdrawal due to an illness in her family. In fact, 104 of the current top 110 players on the LPGA money list will compete in the event that also features 14 of the top 16 players on the Rolex Women&aposs World Golf Rankings. It will be a baptism by fire for the 22-year old from Melbourne who is the sole amateur in the high calibre field that will hopefully give Whitaker a taste of things to come in a professional career. “It&aposs really exciting to be surrounded by so many world-class players,” she said. “It was a great thrill to win my first event in Florida which led to my invitation to the Ginn Tribute. While I&aposm not teeing off with any unrealistic expectations, I hope to play my game, learn a lot off these girls and come out better for the experience – it will definitely be one of the highlights of my career so far!” Defending champion Nicole Castrale will return to defend her title after a sudden-death playoff victory on the first hole against Ochoa last year. Other prominent players in the field include LPGA Rookie of the Year Angela Park, American star Paula Creamer, ever-popular drawcards Natalie Gulbis and Brittany Lincicome as well as Cristie Kerr and Laura Davies, winner of 69 tournaments worldwide. The action gets underway Thursday night (AEST) and you can follow all of the scores and news at www.ginntribute.com.