Davies looks for Phoenix success

England’s Laura Davies, who won the title a record four times in a row in the mid-1990s, launches her American season at the Safeway International in Phoenix. Arizona.

Davies has won 20 times on the LPGA Tour, although it is now seven years since her last success.

The 44-year-old las year showed some real glimpses of her very best form and won a tournament in Austria on the Ladies’ European Tour.

She had three top three finishes on the LPGA and finished 21st on the money list.

“I did play very well last year and definitely think I could win again in the States,” said the player who needs two more victories or one major to gain her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

“I came close a few times and it was just a pity that I didn’t manage to get another victory. But I’m confident going into the new season.”

Kent’s Karen Stupples is another former winner who had a fine end to last season, while Scot Catriona Matthew finished fourth last year.

This is the final event before the first of the women’s majors – the Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills in California next week,.

Mexico’s world number one Lorena Ochoa defends the title, while Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam – a winner in Hawaii last month – continues her climb back to the top after a 2007 season that was ruined by injury.

The field includes two Canadians – Alena Sharp and Lorie Kane. Sharp is now the top Canadian on Tour after finishing 57th on last year’s money list, 17 spots higher than four-time winner Kane whose last victory was way back in 2001.