Stacy Lewis will defend her title as the LPGA returns to action with the 54-hole Walmart NW Arkansas Championship beginning Friday. A University of Arkansas graduate, Lewis will be the overwhelming crowd favorite again at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Ark. Lewis’ last LPGA victory came in this event a year ago. Eight of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings are in the field. Here are four groups to watch in the first round (all times ET):
Pettersen arrives in strong form having won the Manulife Classic just three weeks ago. Creamer righted a rough patch in the spring with a T-5 finish at the Kingsmill Championship last month, just her second top-10 finish this season.