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.