RWBO AT OLD COURSE, ST ANDREWS EXCITES SUNDAY WINNER KARRIE WEBB

The Old Course Hotel provides the backdrop to the Old Course's infamous 17th (Road) Hole. Image by Cal Carson Golf Agench

FROM THE AGE WEBSITE
Karrie Webb can thank Inbee Park for allowing her to fly under the radar in her tilt for a fourth Women's British Open title.
Webb couldn't be better primed as she heads a cast of nine Australians in the field for the Ricoh Women's British Open on the Old Course at St Andrews from Thursday

A late decision to enter the Ladies European Masters to boost her links golf preparation paid off in spades with a victory on Sunday, raising hopes the 38-year-old Australian (pictured with trophy) can claim an eighth major championship title – the first in seven years.
It's been 11 years since Webb last won the British Open, but she's excited by her form and the fact the women get to play their Open at the home of golf for only the second time.
"I loved playing the British Open here in 2007," said Webb.
"Although I didn't play all that well, I'm hoping that I've learnt a little from that and can apply it this week.
"All links courses have their quirks but St Andrews in many ways is in a league of its own.
"I think the keys this week are to have a very sure game plan with options depending on the conditions ... then stick with it and be patient."
Webb is joined by countrywomen Katherine Hull, Lindsey Wright, Sarah-Jane Smith, Bree Arthur, Nikki Campbell, Whitney Hillier, Sarah Kemp and Stacey Keating.
But all eyes at the Old Course this week are on world No.1 Inbee Park.
The 25-year-old South Korean is trying to become the first player – male or female – to win four consecutive professional major championships in the same calendar year in the modern era.
So unflappable has she been while winning the LPGA Championship in a play-off, the Kraft Nabisco Championship by four shots and then the US Women's Open by four strokes, that Webb jokingly questioned whether she had a heartbeat.
She's currently level with Babe Zaharias (1950), Mickey Wright (1961) and Pat Bradley (1986) as the only players in LPGA history to win three majors in a season.
However, if she wins this week, there will be debate about whether she's actually achieved the coveted grand slam of majors.
For reasons best known to themselves the LPGA has deemed the upcoming Evian Masters – an event she won last year – as a fifth major championship from this year.
"I'll call her a grand slam winner if she wins four," LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan said last week.
"I think we've created the super slam for five [to include the Evian Masters]."
AAP