The heat is likely to dominate conversations at the ANA Inspiration, upstaging talk even of the COVID-19 pandemic that’s responsible for postponing this LPGA Major championship from its scheduled start in April to the first full week in September.
Sophia Popov of Germany became a Major champion and a cause celebre, all in a matter of days, when it was revealed that her improbable victory in the AIG Women’s British Open on Sunday earned her only a two-year LPGA exemption rather than five and no exemption into the next women’s Major, the ANA Inspiration in two weeks.
Popov’s improbable win (she came into the event ranked 304th in the world with no status on the LPGA Tour) was a product of solid ball-striking and timely putting.
West Australian Hannah Green will tee it up at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon on Thursday evening Australian time knowing she is a genuine chance of capturing her second Major championship.
