Cream of the Crop
Paula Creamer can't wait to lead the American challenge at St Andrews this summer

California to St Andrews may seem an inordinate distance to travel for a practice round. Then again, when you are aiming to become a ‘Major’ champion over the most famous course in the world, then it’s a trip well worth making.

American Paula Creamer made just such a journey in April. In August, she aims to reap the reward at the Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship.

The world’s best women professionals will make history when they compete for the first time over the Old Course at St Andrews and the buzz surrounding the August 2-5 championship has been circulating for years. Annika Sorenstam has admitted it would be one of the greatest achievements of her career to win on the renowned links, while Karrie Webb’s eyes light up at  the prospect of collecting a seventh ‘Major’ on Scottish soil.

“It’s going to be extra special,” says the Australian, who won the Women’s British Open on the only other occasion that it was played in Scotland, at Turnberry, in 2002. “I know all the players are really looking forward to it. We can’t wait.”

Creamer travelled to St Andrews with both her agent, Jay Burton, and her coach, Dave Whelan. Sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, she fitted in some corporate assignments, but the main purpose was to gain an insight into the nuances of the ‘Home of Golf’s’ most renowned golf course.

She managed to fit in three practice rounds, and was delighted that the fickle east coast wind provided some idea of the variety of shots she will require when she returns for the big week in August.

“It’s awesome and very exciting to be here,” she said on a day when the wind was whipping round her ears and rain sprinkled in her hair.
“The Old Course is very different from really anywhere I’ve played before. There are a lot of blind tee shots and hidden bunkers and the greens are a lot, lot bigger than they look on the TV.

“We played one round when the wind was blowing one way and then another when it was completely the opposite.

“It was just a short chip for the second shot at the 18th one time and then the next it was a full mid-iron.

“That’s why I am so pleased I have come over for the few days. It’s a course you can never play enough to learn what it is all about. But from what I’ve seen so far, I really love it.”

Creamer is in just her third year as a professional, but has already built up an impressive portfolio. She was the LPGA ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2005 when she won twice in America and twice in Japan and was recognised as the world’s second best female player behind the impregnable Sorenstam.