Webb romps to second LPGA victory of season at Kingsmill

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Australia’s Karrie Webb became the
LPGA Tour’s first multiple winner this season on Sunday,
coasting to a seven-shot victory at the Michelob Ultra Open in
Williamsburg, Virginia.

Five ahead of the chasing pack at the start of the day, the
31-year-old fired a one-under-par 70 on the River Course at
Kingsmill Resort & Spa to finish on 14-under 270.

Webb, who won the opening major of the year at the Kraft
Nabisco Championship in early April, celebrated the 32nd LPGA
title of her career.

“I can’t believe how satisfying this win is,” the
seven-times major champion told reporters. “It feels great to
have all the hard work pay off and to play four solid rounds
this week.

“Playing with a five-shot lead today, to me felt like it
was the first time I had ever done it. So I feel like I’m
re-learning the mental side of the game all over again.”

The former world number one is enjoying a remarkable
renaissance this season following her first winless year on the
LPGA Tour since turning professional in late 1994.

“The main reason is because I lost a lot of confidence in
my game,” Webb said of her disappointing form in 2005. “When I
needed to hit good shots or make putts, I just wasn’t doing it.

“The other reason is that a lot of my good golf started
from the moment I joined the LPGA and I progressively got
better and better and better until I was number one in the
world.

“Probably one of the reasons why I became number one in the
world, and maintained that for a couple of years, was because I
didn’t stop and ask why I was doing that. I just did it.

“I would never say I took it for granted when I was playing
well, but I took it for granted much more than I do now,” added
Webb, who triumphed 13 times on the LPGA Tour in 1999 and 2000.

“I really, really appreciate the good and how quickly the
game can turn on you and really feel like you’re not playing
that bad, but just not putting the results up.

“So, whenever I’m playing good now, I’m definitely going to
appreciate it.”

Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa, who was edged out by Webb in a
playoff for the Kraft Nabisco, shared second place with Hee-Won
Han of South Korea at seven-under 277, Ochoa closing with a 72
and Han with a 70.

(Writing in Los Angeles by Mark Lamport-Stokes)