Interlachen greens a major talking point

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

EDINA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Although this week's U.S. Women's Open is being held on the longest course ever to host the tournament, the players are more concerned with the severely sloping greens.

According to world number one Lorena Ochoa, seeking her third major victory in four starts, there are four greens on the par-73 Interlachen Country Club layout that pose the greatest challenge.

"The scariest ones are numbers three, five, nine and 17," the 26-year-old Mexican told reporters during preparations for Thursday's opening round of the third major of the season.

"This is one of those courses where sometimes caddies come and talk to you and say: 'Hey, we really need to be below the hole.' Sometimes they over-react but not on these greens.

"You really need to pay attention to them," added Ochoa, who won this year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, by five shots.

"Even when you have a 25-foot putt, just make sure you have an uphill putt. Play from below the hole and be smart out there."

American Cristie Kerr, who defends the title she won last year by two shots at Pine Needles, agreed.

"As fast and severe as the greens are right now, I don't think you need to see a lot of rough to see a lot of challenging conditions," she said. "The greens are going to do nothing but get faster and firmer as the week goes on."

LONG HITTERS

Long hitters, like American teenager Michelle Wie, are expected to hold an advantage on the tree-lined 6,789-yard layout that features five par-five holes.

"It's a pretty firm golf course, a ball-striker's golf course where you have to hit it in the fairway," the 18-year-old said. "But they are very tough greens and you have to leave yourself easy putts."

Former world number one and three-times champion Annika Sorenstam, making her swansong appearance at the tournament, is an unabashed fan of the Donald Ross creation.

"It's a superb shape," said the Swede. "You have to work the ball, you have to have control of your shots."

"As always, you have to be straight and you have to have imagination around the greens. It's a true test. I love it."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)