Morgan Pressel targets repeat drenching at Mission Hills

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

RANCHO MIRAGE, California (Reuters) - Having experienced the triumphant pond jump at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, American Morgan Pressel has set her sights on a repeat drenching with a successful title defense this week.

Since 1988, the winner of the first women's major has celebrated by leaping into the pond bordering the 18th green and teenager Pressel maintained the tradition 12 months ago.

The Florida resident jumped into the water with her grandmother and her caddie after becoming the youngest champion in a women's grand slam event.

"It's more exciting this year because I have jumped in that lake and I want to do it again," Pressel told reporters at Mission Hills Country Club on Tuesday.

"I've tasted it and I know what it's like.

"I know that I can play well on this golf course, so from that sense, I just hope to really give it a good shot this week. I'm excited to defend for the first time and hopefully I can be successful."

Pressel spectacularly holed a 30-footer to birdie the final hole for a one-shot victory last year, at a stroke claiming her first major victory and her debut win on the LPGA Tour.

"It is something where players put a lot of pressure on themselves after they have won quite a few times to win a major and now I'm looking for No. 2," the 19-year-old said.

MADE EASY

"I've never really thought about it before but Cristie (Kerr) said to me: 'You killed them both in the beginning, you won (a tournament) and a major at the same time, made it easy.'

"Now I expect a lot out of myself. I put pressure on myself and try not to pay attention to what other people think or how other people expect me to perform."

Pressel, who became the first American to win the Kraft Nabisco Championship since Dottie Pepper in 1999, believes she is a better player than 12 months ago.

"I've gained more experience and I think that a lot goes into winning in terms of playing well and being lucky and putting everything together," she said.

"My game has gotten better but I think a lot of the other girls have gotten better, too. You've just got to keep working hard and waiting for that moment where it all comes together."

Pressel will play with Mexican world number one Lorena Ochoa for the first two rounds at Mission Hills, scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)