South Korea's Meena Lee returns to defend her title in the US$1.2 million Fields Open this week as US golfer Paula Creamer tries for her second Hawaiian victory in as many weeks.
Last year Lee erased a seven-stroke deficit and beat compatriot Lee Seon-hwa at the third hole of sudden death. Her final round was a career low 65.
But Meena Lee said the role of defending champion was a double-edged sword.
"Well, I have confidence that I can play better here. It's just that defending a title always is not about confidence," she said.
"There's always pressure on defending. So that's another way to look at it. I'm confident, but in a way I feel a little bit more pressure," she added.
Challengers for the US$180,000 first prize is a field that includes nien of the top 10 players from last year's LPGA Official Money List, including reigning Player of the Year Lorena Ochoa.
Mexico's Ochoa finished tied for fourth at last week's SBS Open at Turtle Bay.
Also, Karrie Webb, who won two straight weeks in her native Australia earlier this month and finished third last week, will try to keep the momentum going.
Creamer is also a favorite. After setting a record last year for most season earnings without a win (US$1,076,163), Creamer posted her third career LPGA victory at last week's SBS Open at Turtle Bay.
"It feels good to come here with a win," Creamer said.
"It was an exciting week. I played very good. I had a lot of fun, and it was good that the off season paid off," she said.
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