Harrison, NY—Major events often bring to the surface the most experienced players and this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship could not illustrate that better than the fine play through 36 holes of LPGA Hall-of-Famer Karrie Webb.
Webb is tied for second just one shot back at -7 (68-71-139) heading into the final 36 holes at Westchester CC. Her steadiness and past successes bode well as she seeks to earn her 8th major—the last coming in ‘06 at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
The 40-year-old Aussie is far from looking to retire. In 2014 Karrie won twice and placed in the top ten money winnings.
The amazing aspect is that Webb has rarely been given the full acknowledgment for her steady play over the years. Going into 2015 the 16th ranked golfer has 41 total victories—tying her for 10th all-time with the legendary Babe Zaharias. Webb is also 2nd all-time on the LPGA money list.
Unfortunately, during her peak playing years, the focus of much of the press centered around her chief rival—Annika Sorenstam. The powerhouse Swede has been retired for a few years now but a new generation of younger players has clearly come forward, and from different parts of the world.
Webb’s rookie year was 1996—two years before Sorenstam entered the scene. The rivalry grew but often times the focus—from media and from fans—was less on the tenacity and overall skills Webb consistently provided. Just five years after joining the tour, Webb became the youngest to achieve a career Grand Slam.
2015 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship: Oh the Webb She Still Weaves!
Karrie Webb of Australia is just one shot back after two rounds at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Michael Cohen/Getty Images
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M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.
