The last group (the leaders) had all but a handfull of fans in tow. That group included Pat Hurst, and the "Tiger Woods of Japan" Ai Miyazato. From what I had read about Ai last year, she was to be the next international golf star, but here in sleepy Havre de Grace she was just one of the other golfer.

Ai wasn't even in the top ten in fan popularity. That honor went to Wie, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Christy Kerr, Morgan Pressel, Julie Inkster, Chirstina Kim, Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb... and Annika.

In Japan, she can't even go out in public without tons of paparazzi, but here she was. That being said, I was able to follow her for nine holes with very few fans to get in the way of a clear view of this rising start from the land of the rising sun, as she tactically manuevered around the course with the confidence and poise of an old pro.

Ai Miyazato has all the game, mental makeup, and personality to make it in a big way on the LPGA. What it means to the tour is immeasurable as TV ratings for her Asian tour appearances outrank anything else on Japanese TV.

What I saw that sunny and clear day at Bulle Rock golf course was a true teen phenom without all the media hype, who is about to take the LPGA by storm.

Now that she has now gotten more comfortable on US soil and LPGA events, I expect to see a breakout performance this weekend.

My predictions for this weekend: Miyazato, Ochoa, Creamer in that order. Let us know your picks through the comments link below.

More resources:
Ai Miyazato Official Website (in Japanese)
Ai Miyazato [Wikipedia Entry]
Ai Miyazato Google Image Search

Related Lounge Posts:
*Ai Miyazato to follow Wie lead... but in Japan
*Ai Miyazato: Japan's Tiger Woods is a 5 foot 2 teenager...
*Ai Miyazato : The next big "little" thing