The Cambia Portland Classic is one of the events on the LPGA Tour that year after year brings out the best in a select group of players who thrive on traditional Pacific Northwest style golf courses.
Based on their play at both this year’s venue at Columbia Edgewater Golf Club and the tournament’s former home at Pumpkin Ridge, here are my picks for this week’s Fantasy Series.
First Team:
Suzann Pettersen
A two-time winner of this event in 2011 and 2013, Suzann Pettersen consistently plays well at this tournament. She thrives in the Portland area, perhaps due to her return to friendly territory with sponsor Nike’s headquarters nearby. Pettersen has played great golf of late, taking the lead in the second round of the RICOH Women’s British Open where she finished fifth for the week. Pettersen is my pick to get her third win in this event this week.
So Yeon Ryu
So Yeon Ryu has been knocking on the door all season long and yet to breakthrough with a win. Ryu has finished in the top-4 in her last two starts including a tie for third at the RICOH Women’s British Open. Ryu consistently plays well in Portland with a T-3 finish in 2014 and a T-4 performance in 2012.
Anna Nordqvist
Already a winner this season on the LPGA Tour, Anna Nordqvist has finished in the top-20 in Portland three of the last four years. Since her victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in May, Nordqvist has continued playing great golf, posting four top-15 finishes including a T-7 in her last start at the RICOH Women's British Open.
Cristie Kerr
2008 Cambia Portland Classic champion Cristie Kerr is looking for her second win of the season this week in Oregon. Kerr has three top-4 finishes including a runner-up finish at this event in 2010.
Morgan Pressel
Playing some of the best golf of her career, Morgan Pressel is still looking to grab her first win of the season. Pressel has struggled in recent weeks but has five top-5 finishes this season and two top-19 performances in Portland the past two years.
Lizette Salas
Earning her way onto this year’s Solheim Cup team has propelled Lizette Salas through the summer, finishing in the top-19 in four of her last five starts including a tie for second at the Meijer LPGA Classic. She has consistently played well in Portland, never finishing outside the top-9. She was T-2 at this event in 2012, her rookie year on tour.
Kim Kaufman
Last season as a rookie on the LPGA Tour, Kim Kaufman carded a T-25 finish in Portland. With those fond memories and three top-14 finishes this season, Kaufman is looking to break through for her first victory.
Second Team:
Lydia Ko
Lydia Ko is making her debut in Portland this week. She has been playing some great golf in recent weeks, finishing tied for third in her last two starts.
Chella Choi
Chella Choi won her first event on the LPGA Tour last month at the Marathon LPGA Classic. She nearly got it done at his event last year, finishing T-3. With the added confidence of that first victory, Choi may just get her second win this week.
Make your LPGA Fantasy Series picks now for this week's Cambia Portland Classic. Click here!
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