Great Moments at the ANA Inspiration

The ANA Inspiration is the first major on the golf calendar and retains a unique place within the history of the women's game. Founded by the popular entertainer Dinah Shore in 1972, it has been a major on the LPGA Tour since 1983, being held annually at the same venue - Mission Hills Country in California. This consistency allows for a connection akin to the Masters Tournament, as both viewers and players are familiar with the layout and its traditions. 

Former champions include names as striking as Juli Inkster, Amy Alcott, Dottie Pepper, Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, Yani Tseng, Lorena Ochoa, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson, and Lydia Ko. Perhaps most notably, the winner is encouraged to jump into Poppie's Pond, which sits adjacent to the closing par five 18th hole. Bit of a quirky piece of heritage, perhaps, but it has helped this event develop a character that none of the other women's majors can replicate. 

Ryu So-yeon is the defending champion this year, following the dramatic events of the 2017 edition and the rules controversy that sunk the challenge of Thompson. The LPGA Tour will be hoping for a more smooth showcase for its best players, with a remarkably international field underlining the sheer diversity of the women's game. 

The event will be broadcast widely on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and on Golf Channel in the United States, and is always worth following as the first major champion of the year is crowned. To get set for the week, look back on these great moments, as described by golf writers Randall Mell, Ron Sirak, and Steve Eubanks.