Mum-to-be Stupples aims to sign off in style

England’s Karen Stupples, who is almost four months pregnant, carries British hopes in the elite field for tomorrow’s Mitchell Company Tournament of Champions in Mobile, Alabama.

The 2004 Weetabix Women’s British Open champion is making her final appearance of the season and is unlikely to play again before the birth of her first baby, due next April.

“I’m really excited at the prospect of becoming a mum,” said the 33-year-old from Kent.

“It’s going to be a big change and a new challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.

“But I’m still hoping to this tournament and trying to do as well as possible. This is my third year here so I know the course.”

The American Solheim Cup player Christina Kim defends the title she won from Australia’s Rachel Hetherington last year, but the favourite is Lorena Ochoa.

The Mexican has won five times on the LPGA Tour this season, including her last two starts.

With almost $2.5m (€2m) she currently heads the LPGA money list ahead of Karrie Webb and Annika Sorenstam, both of whom are missing this week.