The following interview with two time-U.S. Women’s Open champion Karrie Webb is from the Back Nine interview in Hall of Fame’s quarterly magazine, The Tower:
You rallied from six shots back to win the Founders Cup in March, your 41st career victory on the LPGA. How special is this win?
Winning the Founders Cup is very special to me. The concept of the tournament, celebrating our Founders and past, and growing the future of the game, had always been a wonderful idea. I appreciate all the opportunities the LPGA has provided me, so to win in front of some our Founders is always very special. Obviously starting out the final round I wasn’t exactly thinking of winning, but shooting 63 set a score for the other girls to chase down and thankfully ended up being good enough.
You outlasted a strong group of rising young players. What keeps your competitive fire burning?
Exactly doing what I have been doing. I really don’t look at my age or anyone else’s age as an advantage or disadvantage. For me, putting myself in positions to win golf tournaments is why I’m still prepared to put in the hard work.
You received a phone call from fellow Hall of Fame member and LPGA Founder Louise Suggs on Saturday of the tournament. What kind of inspiration do you draw from such legendary players?
It’s been really wonderful to get to know some of our Founders and the past greats of the game. It’s very special to me to have the relationship and friendship that I’ve had with Louise over the years! Her stories are great but most of all for me, Louise has given me a greater appreciation for what her and 12 other wonderful ladies accomplished more than 60 years ago.
Fellow Hall of Fame member Beth Daniel called you a “shotmaker.” What is the most fun thing about taking on the tough shots?
I think when I’m faced with a challenging shot I actually get away from the technical process of hitting a shot, to being creative and feeling the shot. There’s nothing better than pulling off a shot exactly the way you’ve pictured it.
What is the best club in your bag?
I would say I’ve never really had a specific club in my bag that has been my favorite. I think it changes as quickly as the breeze. I would love to say that all my clubs in the bag are my favorite … then I know I’m playing well!
Who were your golfing heroes when you were growing up and why?
I would have to say my mainstay golfing hero growing up has always been Greg Norman. I was a relatively a young kid when Greg became No. 1 in the world. It was inspiring to see an Aussie become the best in the world.
Who was/is the toughest competitor you have ever faced?
I have played with many tough competitors over my years many of whom are members of the Hall of Fame.
What is your most memorable victory?
I would have to say that would be 2006 Kraft Nabisco Championship. Holing a wedge from 116 yards on the 72nd hole to take the lead at the time is definitely as excited as I’ve ever been. Then to calm myself down, wait and then eventually beat Lorena Ochoa in a playoff was the most amazing end to win a tournament for me. I will always be able to picture and feel the emotions of that day.
What impact do you think the 2016 Olympics will have on the game?
I’m hoping golf being in the 2016 Olympics will have a huge impact in the growth of the game. Nearly all countries value Olympic medals higher than any other sporting achievement. So I would hope more funding is put to the development of golf in countries that are already established with golf programs, but also to countries that golf is only just becoming popular.
Who would be in your dream foursome?
My dream foursome would be my lifelong coach Kelvin Haller, my grandfather Mick Collinson and my dad.
