LPGA notebook: Sorenstam, Creamer delayed by Tavistock Cup

LPGA Safeway International headliners Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer arrived in the Valley late Tuesday night after playing Monday and Tuesday in the Tavistock Cup in Orlando, Fla.

Sorenstam no longer at top, and she couldn't be happier

LPGA begins, sponsorship outlook on the rocks

Sorenstam and Creamer were the first two women to play in the elite club competition between crosstown rivals Isleworth and Lake Nona. Tiger Woods led Isleworth (Creamer’s club) past Lake Nona (Sorenstam’s club), 19-11.

“It was awesome being part of the team with the guys,” said Creamer, who shot 74 to Sorenstam’s 69. “First time I’ve done that, and only Annika and I can say that.”

Creamer, who already has a victory under her belt this season at the Fields Open in Hawaii, was asked if she lived at the ultraposh Isleworth, to which she shot back: “You think they’d bring in a ringer?”

“It was loads of fun even if this (Wednesday’s pro-am) will be my only practice round (at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club),” she said.

Creamer, who recently moved into the No. 4 spot in the world, said the rankings are important to her.

“I definitely think about it,” she said.

“It’s important where I stand. But the more wins, that’s what I concentrate on. (Because) the more wins the higher my ranking will go.”

To that end, the player known as the Pink Panther has changed putters this week.

“I like to tinker,’’ said Creamer, who has switched to a center-shafted Monte Carlo putter from TaylorMade.

VALLEY 'SPECIAL’

Lorena Ochoa, who lost a disappointing playoff here to Sorenstam in 2005 but came back to finally win last year, said losing has helped her to get better.

“Yes, Phoenix has been a special place to me in that regard,” she said of the opposite-ends-of-the-spectrum experiences.

“At this point in my career, you learn a lot (from) the bad times like the playoff loss to Annika, and I also have that experience of winning under pressure here. That really helps me.”

So much so that Ochoa has now been the No. 1 player in the world for almost a year, a position she plans on retaining.

“It’s not a pressure I’m not able to sleep with,” she said. “It’s motivation.

“I dream about it every day, and I’m going to work hard to stay in that position.”

CHIP SHOTS

In an exchange of Michelles, veteran Michelle McGann has replaced Michelle Wie as a sponsor’s exemption. Wie had accepted the exemption and then was forced to give it back when she reinjured her wrist recently. …

Miriam Nagl, a former Arizona State All-American, has withdrawn from the tournament and been replaced by Tracy Hanson. According to LPGA policy this season, when a player withdraws the reason is not disclosed. …

Kris Tamulis led Monday qualifying with a 66. Also gaining one of two spots was Anna Grzebien, who shot 68. Louise Stahle, a former ASU All-American, just missed with a 69. …

For those searching today’s starting times to ferret out the top threesomes, look no further than Grace Park, Morgan Pressel and Creamer (8:29 a.m., 10th tee); Laura Davies, Momoko Ueda and Sorenstam (12:18 p.m., first tee) or possibly Juli Inkster, Ai Miyazato and Ochoa (12:29 p.m., first tee).