Poor putting frustrates Sorenstam in title bid

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

EDINA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Annika Sorenstam's bid for a fourth U.S. Women's Open crown has been held up over the first two days at Interlachen Country Club by an erratic putting performance on the difficult, sloping greens.

The 37-year-old Swede struck the ball superbly but totaled 33 putts in Friday's second round for a three-under-par 70.

That left her at one-under 145 in her swansong appearance at the third women's major of the year, five strokes behind pacesetting Brazilian Angela Park.

"I'm hitting the ball as good as I can," Sorenstam told reporters after a round featuring five birdies and two bogeys. "I'm just going to work on a few things with my putter and I'm really looking forward to the weekend.

"I have a tendency to have a short back swing (on putts) and then I hit it rather than taking it slower and longer, just letting the putter go through. So it's short and jabby and then the ball sometimes jumps and you don't get the roll you want."

The former world number one, who announced last month she will quit competition at the end of this year, ended a frustrating day on the greens by missing a four-footer for eagle at the last.

"It has to do with tempo, it has to do with the length of my backswing," Sorenstam said. "It just takes a while to get that playing fast greens like this. You stick to your routine but it makes it tougher when it's just so tricky out there."

The Swede, making her 15th appearance at the U.S. Women's Open, has always had a soft spot for the event.

It was the first LPGA title she won, in 1995, and she went on to clinch the trophy the following year and for a third time at Newport Country Club in 2006.

"I'm trying to play well but I always walk away with great memories," the 10-times major winner said. "The better you play the more memories you have.

"But it's great to be here. The fans make it special, the course makes it special, the U.S. Open makes it special. It's just a wonderful week, really."

(Editing by Padraic Halpin and Martin Petty)