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Published on October 25, 2007

The three star players, besides conducting a clinic for VIPs, had a practice round yesterday that gave them a taste of the par-72 6,469-yard landscape where weather is capricious and tests the best of the golfers.

Sorenstam, with 10 Major trophies to her collection, has been on the sidelines most of the season due to neck and back injuries. She has been in action in just 10 events this year and has managed to finish inside the top 10 in just four tournaments.

"The injury is getting better. It's not an issue anymore. I'm just happy to be here and play,'' said the world No 3 whose last appearance on the tour was in the LPGA State Farm Classic where she came third.

"I am just excited about this week and will try to have a good start. Hopefully I will have good results after that,'' said the winner of 69 titles.

"I wasn't here last year but I've heard good things about this tournament. The course is in superb shape. I'm looking forward to a fantastic week."

World No 10 Pressel says the conditions are reminiscent of the weather back home in Florida.

"The golf course is a bit tricky. I haven't played in warm conditions for quite some time,'' said Pressel, who won became the youngest Major winner at 18 when she took the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Virada Nirapathpongporn, a regular on the LPGA tour, will be the best bet among the six Thais who are in the field. The 11-year-old, Ariya Jutanugarn, who will play her first LPGA, will be making history when she tees off today, becoming the youngest player in a professional tournament.

"I will be nervous. There is no doubt about it. A lot of people will be coming to support me,'' said Virada, who had a two-under 70 in the practice round yesterday.

At 11 years, 11 months and two days, Ariya eclipses the previous mark of 12 years, four months and 14 days by Michelle Wie in the 2002 LPGA Takefuji Classic. Even Pressel was surprised and joked that she felt old to see such a youngster in the field.

"I'm under a bit of a pressure and at the same time quite excited. I drive well but still have to improve my putts. Hopefully I will finish among the top 55,'' said the sixth-grade student of Treemitr Wittaya School. She will have her 13-year-old sister Moriya as caddy.

 Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation

Chon Buri