golfrewind.com

Beat everyone in your state, country while a young kid.
Beat everyone in your state, country and the world while a teenager.
Beat everyone during the college career.
Become LPGA rookie of the year when turning professional.
Become the LPGA player of the year a few years later ...

... Continue great play and start winning majors.

http://www.lorenaochoa.com/

It is not a 'done deal' yet, but I think Lorena Ochoa will be the next No. 1. Of course this is not guaranteed, but extrapolating her past career progression into the future, it almost would seem 'logical' if she did achieve it. For this reason, I have no idea why she is often overlooked in favor of some of the other young stars. I certainly like to see her play!

She has certainly had a tremendous year...and deserving.

I think she already has dislodged Annika as the #1 player. I know many would insist on her adding a major to her resume, and I think that is coming soon, but for me there is a new Queen.

There is still a serious lag-issue in the world-rankings, not disimilar to the one VJ had to overcome to become No. 1 over Tiger a few years ago.

I know, I was just saying that I already consider her the best female golfer in the world. Annika still has a lot of great golf in her yet, but I think the only thing standing in the way of Ochoa dominating is her confidence, which has to be growing with each success.

I'd put my money on Lorena... Sunday was basically a 1-on-1 match. I think the tide has turned and she will win at least 1 major next year as well as a handful of others and you all will be bowing down to my foresight and wisdom... or maybe not, in which case I'm sure you'll remind me how foolish I was by digging up this post.

I think Annika is still No. 1 now, but as far as betting goes, I would certainly be willing to put (some of) my $s on Lorena being the dominant golfer next year.

Let's not forget that Ochoa is in her prime now (as far as this year goes) and Sorenstam is working on some things in her swing now. I'm not going to call this one until they're both firing on all cylinders. But for the sake of argument, when Sorenstam is 100% and Ochoa is still playing like she is now, It'll be Sorenstam by a nose. Simp

Annika Sorenstam - BIRTH DATE: 10/9/1970
Lorena Ochoa - BIRTH DATE: 11/15/1981

Ochoa is entering her prime, but Annika may be leaving hers, and may struggle more and more to regain her peak-form. I think that Lorena has Annika beat in the 'motivation-department' (for the obvious reason that Lorena has something to prove, while Annika already is a legendary golfer). Time will tell.... In any case, it should be fun to watch.

With both playing at 100% I'd have to give Annika the edge based merely on experience and maturity. I do think, however, Ochoa is the one to bump her from the throne, though it hasn't happened just yet. I really enjoy watching Lorena ply her craft...she's attractive, has a pleasant personality and owns a beauty of a swing.

Shade

Lorena has 5 wins in 2006 so far. Annika has 3 wins, but one of Annika's wins was a major.

Lorena's first 4 titles were very run of the mill lpga events. The Samsung is her biggest victory. I expect her to kick on from there and win majors.

She had alot of confidence issues at lpga level, despite going through the route of winning at each level as the original poster described. However she has started to play better and better down the stretch and got more used to it.

But for those writing Annika off, her last 4 starts were:
1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd.
That's not a bad player. Annika will win plenty more, and Lorena will have her hands full in trying to dislodge her from the top spot.

If you listen to people talking about the PGA tour, then Annika should be in the prime of her career at 36. All I'll say is that to be #1 you have to back up a big year with an equally big year. That's what Annika has done for the past 5 years. This time last year lots of people thought Paula Creamer was the new #1-in-waiting, but look at her now (not that she's done anything wrong). Now don't get me wrong, I love the competition that Paula, Lorena, Natalie, Michelle etc. bring to the LPGA, but Annika deserves her #1 spot for a reason

Womans golf is so strong at present and Lorena is undisputed #1 at present but she will have plenty of challengers. Paula and Karrie are next on my list as I have some doubts with Annika's putting stroke. Swing wise Lorena is magic, her rhythm is a sight to behold.

Lorena is very good. If she wins a major, then maybe she can be number 1, but without it, it is hard to give her that accolade.

As for next on your list, Karrie fine very sensible, but Paula????
Is it Paula Creamer you are referring to, because she is probably a league below the top players in my opinion.
She might get back up there, but she has barely contended in any of over 20 event in 2006 so far. That puts her well behind the likes of Mi Hyun Kim in my opinion. She is probably even behind Juli Inkster, Pat Hurst, and some other players as well.

Whatever doubts you have about Annika's putting stroke, she was 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd in her last 4 events. Paula's best event in 2006 so far was a 3rd place.

This is where rodney and I agree 100% ...

Creamer currently spends too much time in front of the mirror trying to out-pink herself
with her new fashion wear. When she starts playing serious golf she may then get to the
level of Annika, Lorena, Julie, etc. Until then she will not contend for the best of the best.

Same with Gulbis.