Ailing Creamer thinks positive at Mission Hills

RANCHO MIRAGE, California (Reuters) - Paula Creamer is pinning her hopes on the mantra 'beware the ailing golfer' at this week's Kraft Nabisco Championship after batting a mystery illness for most of this year.

Although the American world number four has produced two top-three finishes in just four LPGA Tour starts this season, she has suffered from chills and nausea.

"I can't eat much and my energy levels are kind of low," Creamer told reporters at Mission Hills Country Club on Tuesday during preparations for the first women's major of the year.

"I don't feel quite like my normal self out there but I just have to find some energy and get through.

"But I've won sick before. I think it really just makes you focus on other things. You're out there and you don't feel well but you're getting the job done. I've played my best golf when I haven't felt well."

Creamer, a winner of eight titles on the LPGA Tour, was forced to pull out of last week's LPGA International on Phoenix before starting the opening round.

"Last week was a little bit of a struggle but mentally I have to forget that and go out and play my game," the Californian said. "I'm really pacing myself, trying not to do too much too fast."

ICE-CREAM DIET

Her lunch on Tuesday was a small portion of ice cream.

"That's all my stomach can really handle, which isn't bad," Creamer said with a smile. "You know it's nice but it's not very nutritious. Whatever that is appealing and stays down is my diet."

Creamer lost nine pounds in weight while posting successive third-place finishes at the LPGA Thailand and the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore earlier this year.

"I gained some of it back but I've lost about six in the last five days," she said.

One bonus for Creamer this week is the par-72 Mission Hills layout with its tight fairways placing a premium on accuracy.

"This golf course is great for my game," she said. "You have to be really precise with your irons, give yourself good chances and you have to be accurate off the tee. I like the narrow golf courses where you have to hit good golf shots."

The Kraft Nabisco Championship starts on Thursday.

(Editing by John O'Brien. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)