Looks Like Suzann Will Have to Wait

It's nearly 1am ET here in North Carolina and I've been following the final round of the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open online. The leaderboard has been interesting -- a lot of movement both up and down.

Mainly down.



First, let me answer the question that may be foremost in your mind. To become #1 in the Rolex this week and pass Inbee Park, Suzann Pettersen needs one of three things to happen:

1. She wins
2. She comes in second place
3. She ties second with one other player

As it stands, she's 7-over for the day after 14 holes. That puts her at -3 for the tournament... and the lead is currently at -11. If I had to bet, I'd say this isn't the week Suzann does it.

So... if not Suzann, who's gonna get it done?

Well, with 11 players within 2 strokes of the lead and all of them either on the back 9 or finished, it's still anybody's guess.

Paula Creamer is the leader in the clubhouse at -10 (she shot -4 in the final round). Originally I didn't think that would be good enough but, as I said, this has been a very active leaderboard. The leaders are now only one stroke ahead of her... and nobody seems to be moving forward anymore. In fact, in the last hour, Paula has continually moved up the leaderboard until she is now solo third!

Given that the Pink Panther began the day T23, the conditions must be tough at the Victoria Golf Club. I've browsed the scores so far and found only two 68s (one is Paula's), two 69s, and a large number of scores over par.

Lydia Ko is currently at -9 after 14 holes (+2 for the round).

Perhaps the surprise of the day is Karrie Webb. After signing an incorrect scorecard last week, she seems to be on a mission and is now tied for the lead at -11. She's only got 1 more hole left but her co-leader, Chella Choi, is +2 for the day.

Right now, I really like Karrie's chances.

Ah, make that three 68s. Karrie just posted at -12, making her the clubhouse leader and -- unless somebody gets hot -- the most likely winner. It's late, so I'm going to shut the computer down and head off to bed.

But regardless of who wins, it's going to take a miracle for Suzann to take #1 from Inbee Park. Looks like she'll have to do it the hard way -- Inbee tees it up again next week.