If there’s a tie after regulation play on Sunday at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open, stay in your seat. Unlike the men’s Open that uses an 18-hole playoff the next day, the women would compete in a three-hole playoff on Sunday.
The women’s Open went to the three-hole format last year. Gregg Wong, the retired Pioneer Press golf writer who has followed the local and national golf scene for years, is an advocate of the Sunday formula to have a three or four-hole playoff.
“It’s what the men’s U.S. Open should do, too,” said Wong. “You’ve got your volunteers, infrastructure… (and) prime time on TV (all in place). It’s the only tourney where they do it.”
A lot of fans who watch this weekend’s Open at Interlachen Country Club will be hoping not so much for a playoff, but an Annika Sorenstam championship. In a Scandinavian town, there’s extra emotion for the popular Swede who is retiring from the golf tour after this year.
The 37-year-old Sorenstam injured her neck in 2007 and played in only 13 events. She’s made a comeback in 2008 adding to her long list of tournament wins and is the No. 2 ranked LPGA player in the world.
Sorenstam won the Open in 2006, her third Open title, and first in 10 years. She’s won over $19 million and 10 major titles but Wong thinks it will be a surprise if she wins at Interlachen. No. 1 ranked Lorena Ochoa is his pick to win the championship.
Sorenstam was the No. 1 long hitter in the game before her injury and made few mistakes on the course. “She had the other gals playing in fear of her, just like Tiger (Woods),” Wong said. “She had people playing for second place. She intimidated them because she was so mentally tough and could make all the shots.”
In opening play yesterday, Sorenstam shot a two-over 75. The leader was Ji Young Oh with a six under 67.