US Women's Open: England's Laura Davies and 16-year-old Michelle Wie, two of the longest hitters in the women's game, were licking their lips yesterday as torrential rain soaked the Newport Country Club before today's US Women's Open.
Davies, the 1987 champion, was relishing the prospect of being able to use her driver at all but the short holes.
"There are so many times on tour that you can't hit it flat out, but this is great," said the 42-year-old, who needs a fifth major to claim a place in the LPGA Hall of Fame. "It's a very British-type links course, but the rain has made it very long and so it really does suit my game. But if the wind blows it is going to be very tough."
Wie already has six top-10s in majors but is desperate to make the breakthrough and prove she is not only a class player but someone who can win trophies. The Hawaiian is accustomed to the wind, and proved that she can cope with links layouts by tying for third in miserable weather in the Women's British Open at Birkdale last year.
Wie, who is one of the most richly sponsored sportswomen in the world with deals worth in excess of $10 million, spoke of wanting to use some of her wealth "to make a better world", and she has already used some to help victims of Hurricane Katrina and children's hospitals. But what she really wants is that first elusive victory as a professional.
"I've come very close in a few majors," said the teenager. "But I just have to stay patient and I know my time will come."
A couple of other players with the length to cope with the conditions are the world number one Annika Sorenstam, who has had a relatively quiet start to the season with only one win, and Mexico's Lorena Ochoa, the leading player on tour this year.
"Obviously, I'm not too happy with the season so far," said Sorenstam after that sole victory. "But I am quite happy with the way I'm playing."
•Ben Curtis, fresh from victory in the Booz Allen Classic, will be one of the favourites for the Buick Championship which starts at TPC at River Highlands in Connecticut today. Brad Faxon will attempt to defend the title he won in a play-off last year.
