Alfredsson prepares for busy week as defending champion of Evian Masters

EVIAN-LES-BAINES, France - Helen Alfredsson, of Sweden, had the week of a lifetime in 2008 as she outlasted Angela Park and then-rookie Na Yeon Choi in a three-hole, sudden-death playoff to capture the Evian Masters title - her first LPGA win since 2003. But, for the 2008 Evian Masters champion, it was not her first time winning at the event as she won the inaugural 1994 event and, again, in 1998.

Now, in its 10th year on the LPGA Tour schedule, the event boasts a $3.25 million purse and $487,500 to the winner, major moves on the LPGA Official Money List will be made. The field features 90 players, who represent the best of all major women's professional golf organizations around the world. In a breakdown by the numbers, there are 20 countries, seven rookies, three active LPGA Tour and World Golf Halls of Famers, 30 of the top-30 on the LPGA Official Money List and 23 of the top-25 on the Rolex Rankings.

Last year was a prime example of how veterans and rookies go head-to-head each week on the LPGA Tour. Each course will set up well for someone's game, so it's tough to pick the next champion. Rolex Rankings' number one Lorena Ochoa was in Evian earlier in the week to be on-hand with Alfredsson for the Evian Masters Junior Cup - won by Denmark, but it was noted that Mexico sent their first team in the competition's three-year history. Ochoa has not won since the spring and, with a track record of six or more wins in her last three seasons, her third for 2009 could be just around the corner, which would also bring her closer to the top of the LPGA Official Money List. Leading rookie Jiyai Shin is a definite contender with two wins already this season and the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year race almost locked up. Fellow rookie Tania Elosegui has yet to play on the LPGA Tour this season, but has tallied up one win and three additional top-10 finishes on the Ladies European Tour (LET).

Finally, while Alfredsson has won the Evian Masters Presented by Société Générale the most times in the event's history, only LPGA Tour veteran Annika Sorenstam has also been a multiple winner at Evian Masters Golf Club. Past champions in the field include Natalie Gulbis (2007), Karrie Webb (2006), Paula Creamer (2005), Juli Inkster (2003) and Rachel Hetherington (2001).