Australia Up Close No. 1 Karrie Webb Rules World of Women'S Golf By DARREN McLEAN	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
女子プロゴルフのスター、ウェブ 昨年賞金王に輝いたカリー・ウェブ選手は、今期も絶好調。今年になってすでに、メジャータイトル1つ含む、LPGA ツアー4勝と、向かうところ敵なしです。オーストラリア生まれのウェブ選手は現在25歳。若きスターの誕生にオーストラリアは大喜びです。

Australian ladies golfing sensation Karrie Webb has kicked off the new millennium with four astounding wins from this year's five LPGA tournaments, cementing her position as the world's best women's golfer.

Webb swept the floor when she played her home country in February, winning both the Australian Open and the Australian Ladies Masters in convincing form.

The world No. 1 proved she was a class above the rest by firing a course record nine-under-par to win the Australian Open for the first time.

The following week she thrilled a home crowd by clinching her third successive Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. In a tight finish, Webb holed three birdies in the final four holes to narrowly beat Canadian rival Lorie Cane. Webb won by one stroke.

Webb was clearly relieved to claim the hat trick of wins on home ground, describing her victories in Australia as the most special of all. "It was bloody hard work," said Webb, "but this week I know the practice has really paid off."

Webb's stunning form continued when, just three weeks later, she won her second major at the Nabisco Championship in the United States by a record margin of 10 shots.

To celebrate her win, the champion jumped feet first into the lake at the 18th green, losing her sunglasses in the process. Webb's caddy also celebrated the moment by taking a refreshing dive, followed by singer Celine Dion, who decided to wade out and congratulate the two in the middle of the murky water. What a way to celebrate!

"I have always wanted to meet Celine Dion so I suppose that was a great way to do it," said a surprised Webb. She was then presented the winner's check while wearing her bath robe!

Karrie was born in the outback Australian town of Ayr, a place with plenty of room to hit golf balls, and was introduced to the world golfing scene at the age of 19.

Ladies golfing great Laura Davies predicted the meteoric rise of Karrie Webb when the two were partners in the 1996 Australian Ladies Masters.

Davies' prediction certainly held true: The same year, Webb became the first woman to win more than $1 million (¥105 million) in her rookie year on the U.S. LPGA Tour.

Just 25 years old, Webb still has youth on her side. She is currently head and shoulders above her nearest rivals and plans to continue her domination of ladies professional golf in the years to come.

"It's such a great feeling for all the hard work I've been putting in. I love to win golf tournaments," said Webb.

Professional Gold Coast golfer Paul McCarthy, who is a friend of mine, is big fan of Karrie Webb's because he believes her success has motivated many young Australian golfers.

"Since Karrie Webb became world No. 1, I have noticed a significant increase in ladies asking about golf lessons," said McCarthy. "She seems to have really influenced younger women, especially teenagers, to take up golf as a sport."

But golf is no longer about the money for Webb, who admits her career earnings of $4.4 million (¥462 million) are enough to keep her comfortable for life.

Yet with a $2.5 million (¥263 million) bonus for the winner of this year's four major championships, Karrie Webb has set her sights higher than ever before.

"Majors have taken on an even greater significance for me, and I would love to win all four," said Webb, "I suppose anything is possible."

For now Webb is happy to take some well-earned rest and relaxation on her luxury sports fishing boat in Florida before she returns with a vengeance to further her lead as the world's No. 1 ladies golfer.

Webb's rivals are now left wondering — who can stop the onslaught from Australia's Wonder Woman of golf? Perhaps the amazing talents of youngster Aree Song Wongluekiet of Thailand, the 13-year-old amateur who tied for 10th in the Nabisco Championship, will one day challenge Webb's prowess.

Webb's wheelchair-bound coach, Kelvin Haller, says it is more than a good swing that makes her the best in the world. "I think it's attitude, a will to win. You name it, when it comes to the mind game she is outstanding," said Haller.

Some have suggested making Webb putt with the flagstick, but even that may not stop this determined Australian from continuing to stamp her name into golf's history book.

Shukan ST: April 14, 2000

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