SYDNEY - Wellington's Lynnette Brooky will lead a six-pronged New Zealand challenge charged with the task of ending world No 1 Karrie Webb's domination of the $A500,000 Australian Ladies Masters golf tournament starting today.
Webb, who this week beat Olympic star Cathy Freeman for the Australian female athlete of the year,
will tee off at the Royal Pines resort course on Queensland's Gold Coast a firm favourite to win a record fourth consecutive title.
She has not won any of her five starts on the LPGA Tour this year but is considered unstoppable on her favourite course, having shot 79-under through her last 20 rounds there.
Webb's biggest obstacle could be in-form Briton Laura Davies, while Brooky could also play a role.
Brooky had a solid season in Europe last year, playing 13 of the 14 tournaments and only missing the cut twice.
Her best finishes were seventh in the British Masters and 10th in the Italian Open. She and compatriot Marnie McGuire placed sixth in the TSN Ladies World Cup of Golf.
The other New Zealanders teeing off today are Gina Scott, Susan Farron, Renee Fowler, Pam Sowden and Shelley Duncan.
- NZPA
