Woods relaxed about Ladies golf defence

She's handled being Tiger Woods' niece for her golfing career, so Cheyenne Woods isn't fazed by the pressure of defending her Ladies Masters title.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand

Lydia Ko has won her second New Zealand Women's Open title in three years with a four-shot victory. (AAP)

Cheyenne Woods admits being the face of the Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast has taken some getting used to.

When you combine the marketing potential of Tiger Woods' niece with her status as defending champion, it's no wonder the 24-year-old American is front and centre in promotions for this week's event.

The smiling Woods is everywhere at Royal Pines - on billboards, media guides and other promotional material.

For the fourth-year professional, this tournament is uncharted territory.

Woods stormed home last year with three birdies on the back nine to claim her first, and so far only, professional title.

While it may have lifted her out of the perennial shadow of her illustrious uncle, it has presented a new type of pressure heading into this year's tournament.

Woods is hopeful however that her experience of dealing with the pressures of her famous surname can help her stay focused when she begins her title defence on Thursday.

"It's just different. Just to see my face on the player badges and the billboards and stuff," she said.

"But when I get out there I feel comfortable ... I'm not really concerned with people aiming to beat me, or anything like that.

"I'm pretty used to having my name in the spotlight so this week doesn't really feel any different."

Woods' win last year was the start of a marathon season for her which involved 14 events on the second-tier Symetra Tour as well as nine Ladies European Tour events and then securing her full US LPGA Tour card at the third attempt.

She says that final round four-under-par 69 at Royal Pines had set a benchmark for her to follow.

"Last year at Royal Pines was a glimpse of what I'm capable of," she said.

"That's something I take with me, that experience."

Woods' main rivals for this year's Masters include English veteran Laura Davies, former champion Katherine Kirk, European order of merit winner Charley Hull and Victorian Open winner Marianne Skarpnord from Norway.

Eight-time winner Karrie Webb isn't in the field, which 51-year-old former world No.1 Davies admits is a shame.

"It makes a huge difference to the amount of gallery that'll be here," Davies said.

"It's an okay field. You wouldn't say it's the strongest field in the world but it's an okay field, it's got enough of the big names.

"But there's no question Karrie will be missed."

The Ladies Masters begins on Thursday.


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Source: AAP


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