Annika Sorenstam (AFP)
The third Lexus Cup would be won by the team that best adapted to the unusually large greens at the Perth course, International captain Annika Sorenstam said here Wednesday.
The season-ending LPGA teams tournament pits 12 international players against 12 of the best from Asia over three days in foursome, fourball and singles play, starting Friday.
Eleven of the top 20 women in the world are playing and Sorenstam leads an International side that is regarded as the strongest yet fielded as it tries to reclaim the title won in Singapore in 2006 by Asia, which this time will be led by Korean star Se Ri Pak.
The testing Vines Resort and Country Club course boasts some of the biggest greens in world golf and Sorenstam said that while the fairways were "straightforward," placement around the greens would be key to success over the weekend.
"One of the characteristics of this place are the greens; the greens are huge and they are quite undulated," Swede Sorenstam said.
"It really makes a difference where on the green you end up -- you can have some tough putts.
"Being in the right place on the greens -- if you leave yourself a 50-footer with two or three breaks, you'll need some imagination."
The 37-year-old is making her third Lexus Cup appearance and said the rivalry between the teams was building, with Team International winning the inaugural event in 2005.
"I think the first year, it didn't seem like the Asians really knew what was going on," she said.
"Last year, they came out with a totally different team and a totally different attitude and they played well.
"This year, we want it (the title) back and they know what is going on."
Sorenstam, who said she was looking forward to ending her year in the more relaxed environment of team golf, believes her side is the strongest international team yet.
"We have a good team, no doubt," she said. "Suzann Pettersen has had a fabulous year, Cristie Kerr won the (US Women's) Open.
"Throughout the year, we have tried to recruit the best players."
Sorenstam said she was a believer in the Lexus Cup format and hoped the tournament would forge a reputation in women's golf.
"I'm all for history and consistency," she said. "(But) I think the concept is great, and it is a great way to support women's golf.
"I do think it is important that we get the word out there.
"You have the top players, so I don't know what else you can expect to make it grow."
Teams -- International: Annika Sorenstam, Angela Park, Brittany Lincicome, Catriona Matthew, Cristie Kerr, Maria Hjorth, Morgan Pressel, Natalie Gulbis, Nicole Castrale, Nikki Campbell, Stacy Prammanasudh, Suzann Pettersen
Asia: Se Ri Pak, Amy Hung, Ayako Uehara, Candie King, In-Kyung Kim, Jee Young Lee, Jeong Jang, Ji-Yai Shin, Meena Lee, Sarah Lee, Seon Hwa Lee, Shi Hyun Ahn.
© 2007 AFP/sid
