Lee out to break women's major drought

Twenty two-year-old Minjee Lee is in the spotlight among six Australians at this week's ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills in California.

Minjee Lee

World No.3 Minjee Lee is Australia's best hope of ending the wait for another women's major winner. (AAP)

World No.3 Minjee Lee believes the course at this weeks $US3 million ANA Inspiration will suit her, as she attempts to end Australia's lengthy wait for another women's major golf champion.

It's been almost 13 years since Karrie Webb won the last of her seven major titles with her second victory in this event.

The 44-year-old is back in the field at Mission Hills Country Club in California once again but with little expectation around her these days on a limited LPGA schedule with only two previous starts this year.

It's 22-year-old Lee in the spotlight among the six Australians at a tournament where she had her best major result when third in 2017.

The Perth product has managed to scale the world rankings without becoming a prolific winner - she's in her fifth LPGA season and has won four tour titles.

But she's been in contention numerous times, including second placings in Thailand and Singapore in February, and feeling increasingly comfortable.

"I am more consistent with every part of my game," said Lee. "This is my fifth year on tour and I just know what I am doing a little better."

Lee believes her accuracy off the tee helps her on the ANA Inspiration's Dinah Shore Tournament Course, although she says it's even better for some of the longer hitters who can bomb past fairway bunkers.

"I am usually pretty strong in my ball striking and you need to be able to drive it well," she said.

The recent history of women's majors has nothing to suggest this can't be Lee's breakthrough week.

The five majors last year had five different winners from five different countries.

Countrywomen joining Lee and Webb in the field are Su Oh, Hannah Green, Sarah Jane Smith and Sarah Kemp.

Australian Women's Open champion Nelly Korda is probably the form player of the field, having been in the top-10 in eight of her last 10 starts, including two wins.


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Source: AAP



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