Webb Captures Super Slam
The ladies’ last trip to Turnberry for the RICOH Women’s British Open came back in 2002. That year Karrie Webb clinched her sixth major championship while also becoming the first woman to capture the Super Slam in winning five different major championships.
The return to Turnberry this week got us thinking back to the last trip and what was happening in and around the world of golf. Here’s a look back at the year that was 2002.
Sorenstam Wins 11 Times In 2002
Annika Sorenstam dominated in 2002, winning 11 times including the then titled Kraft Nabisco Championship. Her victories that season put her second on the list behind Mickey Wright in all-time single season wins. Wright has 13. The Swede also topped the money list, took home the Vare Trophy, as well as Player of the Year honors.
“I feel like I'm walking on clouds,” Sorenstam reflected on her season after capturing the season ending ADT Championship. “Here I am sitting again, winning again. Life is nice. It's going my way, obviously. I set some high goals and here I am again and you said I broke 20 records that's unbelievable. I'm just very thankful, obviously, that it's all happening to me. And I've always said I loved what I do, but right now I really love what I do.”
Kerr Gets First Victory on LPGA Tour
After turning pro in 1997, Cristie Kerr captured her first victory on the LPGA Tour in 2002 at the Longs Drugs Challenge, where she won at 8-under par at the Twelve Bridges Club in Lincoln, California. Kerr currently has 17 wins on Tour.
Sergio Garcia Wins Season Opener
Over on the PGA Tour, Sergio Garcia captured the 2002 season opener in Hawaii at the then titled Mercedes Championship. It was the third victory for the Spaniard on Tour who defeated David Toms in a playoff for the win.
“I'm very happy,” said Garcia after the win. “You know, as you say, it's great to start this way. You can't dream of a better way to start the year.”
In Other News…
The Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, Kelly Clarkson was crowned the champion of the first season of American Idol and Pete Sampras captured his 14th and final major at the U.S. Open.