Changing of the Australian Women's Guard?

by Ryan Ballengee on Feb 9, 2009 11:06 AM EST

Last year, in the ANZ Ladies Masters, Katherine Hull was tied for the lead entering the final round with Hall of Fame Australian Karrie Webb. Hull imploded and lost the tournament. This year, Hull entered the event coming off of a very successful 2008 LPGA Tour campaign, including a win at the Canadian Women's Open.

Asked about the prospect of facing Webb down the stretch again, Hull said, "Bring it on." Hull brought it to the whole field and whalloped the competition for a five shot win in the ANZ Ladies Masters.

A word from Hull after her victory:

"This is a huge confidence boost. In the past, I haven't always started [the year] very well. The adrenalin was running early on, but when you're playing well you forget about expectations. Jane Crafter [twice a winner of the Masters] told me last week the golf ball doesn't know where it is, or what day it is, and that helped keep things in perspective."

It may not be time to change the banner for Australian women's golf yet, but with this win, it seems like Hull sure is intent on making it happen sooner than later.

Anna Rawson finished in 10th with a solid final round.

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I didn't know...

…the Australian women HAD a “guard”…I guess that just gives credebility to the US Army’s slogan of “an army of one”. ;-)

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Feb 9, 2009 11:10 AM EST reply actions

I won't claim to be a golf prophet

But I picked Hull to finish 10 slots ahead of Webb for 2009. The ANZ win would seem to point to a new Australian force on tournament but this is just one tournament. Webb won in Australia before the 2008 LPGA season also. How many wins did she have on tour last year?

Zero.

by Bill Jempty on Feb 9, 2009 11:12 AM EST reply actions

True

Katherine’s also building off of a win from last year and that 2nd place in Korea. So, maybe this is part of a bigger string. Who knows.

by Ryan Ballengee on Feb 9, 2009 11:22 AM EST reply actions

I'm kicking myself

for leaving Hull out of my top 30—I had her pegged as someone who just got on a hot streak at the right time. 2 runner-ups and a win so far on the ALPG suggests she’s going to keep her momentum going heading into the LPGA’s winter/spring. too bad for her the schedule’s so spotty before May, though!

by The Constructivist on Feb 9, 2009 1:30 PM EST reply actions