Tseng, who became the youngest golfer in LPGA history to win four majors with her victory two weeks ago at the Wegmans LPGA Championship, is not shying away from her quest for the career Grand Slam. Prior to leaving her home near Orlando, Fla. on Sunday to travel to Colorado Springs, Tseng posted a photo on her Facebook page of the empty space in her trophy room that is reserved specifically for the U.S. Women’s Open trophy. Tseng lives in Annika Sorenstam’s former house at Lake Nona and Sorenstam, who won three U.S. Women’s Open titles, had created a special spot for the tournament’s sizeable trophy.
“You know, I feel less pressure this week than before,” Tseng said. “I always feel so much pressure on U.S. Open course. It's such a tough, tough golf course. But after I see Rory McIlroy do it I feel much more relaxed. I mean, the course, you still can beat a course. You just have got to come out here and have fun, enjoy the pressure and enjoy the big crowds.”
Tseng is already on pace to put herself in Sorenstam’s company when it comes to major championships. Four of Tseng’s eight career victories on the LPGA Tour have come in majors. The long-hitter from Taiwan was asked what it is about majors that makes her step up her game. “I think I just focus more on a major, and I love a tough course,” Tseng said. “I love a challenge. I know at a major you're not going to be shooting lots of low scores. You just need to be patient. Lots of people are gonna make bogey. So if you make bogey there, it's no worries.”
If Tseng can go on to win her first U.S. Women’s Open title this week, it would be yet another thing that bonds her and Sorenstam together. It was on the East Course at The Broadmoor for the 1995 U.S. Women’s Open that Sorenstam won the first of her 10 major titles.
Tseng and Sorenstam have developed a special bond in recent years. Tseng looks to Sorenstam as her mentor, both in terms of the success that she had on the golf course and also the numerous things the LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame member has done to help the game of golf as well. Tseng said she met up with Sorenstam a few days ago and the two talked about what the 22-year-old will face in trying to complete the career Grand Slam this week.
“”She tell me she's really enjoying to watch me play, and that made me feel lots of confidence,” Tseng said. “She said, ‘You know, just like you did last week: smile always and have good body language, and then be aggressive. That's how you are. You will really enjoy this week.’”
