CLIFTON, N.J. - Lorena Ochoa will attempt to become the third golfer in LPGA Tour history to win the same event four consecutive times this week at the Sybase Classic hosted by Clifton, New Jersey's Upper Montclair Country Club.
Ochoa was on track to pick up yet another victory at last week's Michelob Ultra Open in Virginia before she shot back-to-back 74s on the weekend to slide down the leaderboard.
Every golfer ranked in the top 10 of the most recent Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings will be in Clifton this week, including Ochoa and last week's winner, Cristie Kerr, who catapulted to No. 3 with her win at Kingsmill Golf Club.
While Kerr remains well behind Ochoa in the race for No. 1 in the world, she is at least believing that it's an achievable goal
"I think I can," she said after her win on Sunday. "I mean I kind of hesitate to say that, but I think I can. I'm not afraid of it anymore, which is I think maybe is why we're seeing some improvement. It's fun. It's a goal. You should go get it. There's nothing to be afraid of anymore. There's not a whole lot of self-doubt left in there for me."
Other notable names competing in the Sybase Classic include 2008 LPGA Rookie of the Year Yani Tseng, Jiyai Shin, Paula Creamer, Suzann Pettersen, Angela Stanford, Helen Alfredson, Karrie Webb, In Kyung Kim, Natalie Gulbis, and Michelle Wie, who is still searching for her first professional victory.
“We are happy that so many of the top players have committed," said Andy Bush, the tournament's executive director. "Lorena is coming off her second victory (Corona Championship) and playing fantastic golf, and she will be going up against a very capable group of veterans and newcomers."
Editor's Note: GolfersGuide.com's Online Editor Brandon Underwood will be on site at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton New Jersey at this week's LPGA Sybase Classic. Check back for the latest blogs and tournament updates.