2020 ANA Inspiration: Two former champions address media Wednesday
Two former champions, Pernilla Lindberg (2018) and Stacy Lewis (2011), address the media on Wednesday at the 2020 ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, as practice rounds continue.
Lindberg reflected on how much this tournament means to her.
"I probably think back to that week at some point each and every day," she said.
The 2018 ANA Inspiration is her first and only professional victory. It was a historic weekend, where for the first time in tournament history, the winner had to be decided on Monday after eight playoff holes.
"What it's meant to be able to call myself a major winner, to feel that I you know, belong at the top, that I left a mark on the history books. I mean, all of that is just, it makes my golf career, like no matter what I do for the rest of my career, that's something I'm going to be able to look back at," Lindberg said.
While Lindberg and Lewis have had success at Mission Hills Country Club, there are some major differences this year. There will be no gallery and Mission Hills has made $3 million dollars worth of renovations to the tournament course, which general manager Michael Walker said presents a new challenge to the players.
Lindberg said the biggest challenge talked about amongst players has been the grass conditions. Typically the ANA Inspiration is held in March and early April with winter grass conditions. Because the postponement, players will be playing on summer Bermuda grass. Not to mention the triple-digit heat.
There will also be no spectators this year because of coronavirus.
"The most special part is that walk up 18," said Lewis. "You know, I can see it right here out the window here, just being able to high five all the fans and just that walk as a champion. I mean, it's something that you never forget, so just to think that the winner this year is not going to be able to do that is pretty disappointing, but at the same time, it's the way this year is."
"This is going to be our sixth event after the restart. You know, I think we've all gotten a little but used to it being a little more quiet out there and it is kind of sad, but at the same time we're happy to be out playing and we just have to, kind of, get pumped up in a different way instead," said Lindberg.
Hinako Shibuno also spoke to the media, primarily in Japanese.
Play begins tomorrow at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. Here is everything you need to know!
News Channel 3's Blake Arthur and Taylor Begley will have full coverage of the 2020 Ana Inspiration all week long. You can follow them on Twitter @BlakeArthur24 and @TaylorKESQ or stay up-to-date at KESQ.com/Ana-Inspiration.
