Norway's Pettersen aims to rebound at U.S. Open
EDINA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Although bitterly disappointed after squandering her title bid at the Wegmans LPGA on Sunday, Norway's Suzann Pettersen has high hopes for this week's U.S. Women's Open at Interlachen Country Club.
Pettersen believes she is close to her best and is eager to add a second major trophy to her cabinet, following her breakthrough win at last year's LPGA Championship.
"I'm looking forward to this week," the world number three told reporters after bogeying three of the last six holes to finish second at the Wegmans LPGA, two strokes behind South Korean Ji Eun-hee.
"I'll keep doing what I'm doing, see my coach and grind out a little better. You just have to keep knocking on that door, hopefully it will open.
"I played a lot of good shots, it feels like I just got outraced a little bit," added Pettersen, who held a three-stroke lead going into Sunday's final round.
Pettersen, who clinched her maiden major title by a shot after closing with a five-under-par 67 at last year's LPGA Championship, has firmly established herself as one of the game's elite players.
She ended a glittering 2007 campaign with five titles on the LPGA Tour, finishing second behind Mexican world number one Lorena Ochoa in the money list with career-best earnings of more than $1.8 million.
PUTTING CONSISTENCY
"If I could be a little more consistent on the greens, that would help me a lot," the Norwegian said. "When I putt well, I can win."
Pettersen has positive memories of Interlachen after making her debut there aged 22 at the 2002 Solheim Cup team competition.
Although Europe lost to the United States by 15-½ points to 12-1/2, she came from five down with five holes to play to halve her singles match against American Michele Redman.
"I almost remember every hole," Pettersen said with a smile. "I have some good memories from Interlachen. I think it's going to be a great U.S. Open course because they can make it really tough."
A par-73 layout playing to a maximum of 6,789 yards, Interlachen will become the longest course to stage a U.S. Women's Open.
American Cristie Kerr defends the title she won last year at Pine Needles in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
