Ochoa Vaporizes the Field at HSBC Women's Champions

Lorena Ochoa made mince meat of a stellar field to win the HSBC Women's Champions by an alarming 11 strokes in Singapore today. Being a four round event and including names like Sorenstam, Creamer, Webb, Pettersen, and Inkster, the tourney had a "Major feel", at least until the opening tee shot. Ochoa led the entire way and just kept increasing the distance between her and the poseurs. In her first tournament since last November and she barbequed the field by an amazing 11 strokes. She was the only one to post four rounds in the 60s, closing with a final round 68. It was her 18th L.P.G.A. victory and worth $300,000.00. Perhaps with the dollar concerns she elected to get paid in pesos.

It's really hard to picture anyone challenging Ochoa any time soon. She was routinely driving her ball 30 yards past Annika, who's no slouch off the tee. That's three club difference and a huge advantage for getting approach shots close enough to make putts. All this, and when interviewed she claimed to have spent her off time working almost exclusively on her short game. I realize it's a little early to predict the entire season, but if this performance is any indication, the real tournaments on the L.P.G.A. Tour this year will be for second place.

Til' next,