The Tennessean
April 24, 2002
By BOB McCLELLAN Assistant Sports Editor
When is the field for an LPGA tournament considered loaded? The minute Annika Sorenstam's commitment arrives.
That minute for the Aerus Electrolux USA Championship (May 9-12 at the Legends Club in Franklin), came at about 8:15 yesterday morning, when tournament director Steve Nieman got the call that the steely Swede would return to the Midstate for the second year in a row.
''As you can imagine, I'm very excited,'' Nieman said. ''She's the best player in the world. She's already won twice this year.
''I had goosebumps. She'll have a major impact.''
Sorenstam, who finished third here last year, is atop this year's LPGA money list. In all, the Electrolux landed commitments from eight of the top 10 on the money list and 16 of the top 20, including defending champion Juli Inkster.
Nieman made the announcements at a news conference yesterday at the Legends Club. Country music star Vince Gill, who serves as host for the tournament along with wife Amy Grant, was also on hand.
''It's a great field, and we're going to have another great tournament,'' Gill said.
In addition to Sorenstam and Inkster, the field includes 2002 winners Cristie Kerr, Laura Diaz and Rachel Teske; 2000 Electrolux champion Pat Hurst; fan favorite Nancy Lopez, and the area's first LPGA tournament champion, 1988 Sara Lee Classic champion Patti Rizzo (sponsor's exemption).
The only notable players missing from the Electrolux field are 2002 winner Se Ri Pak (fourth on the money list), Lorie Kane (eighth) and Karrie Webb (16th).
Pak and Webb are playing in the Japanese LPGA Tour's Nichirei Cup the same week as the Electrolux. Webb is that events defending champion.
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