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Ready for the big time

For Jenna Daniels, playing in today's Welch's/Circle K LPGA Championship shouldn't be a problem. Daniels, the No. 2 collegiate golfer in the nation, is playing in her first Ladies Professional Golf Association tournament as an amateur.

The tournament will be held at the par 72, 6,222 yard Randolph North Golf Course in Tucson. Although Daniels has played Randolph North Golf Course many times prior to the tournament, it will be a completely different atmosphere for the senior.

"It is the same course I have played many times before but it is a completely different atmosphere," Daniels said. "I am going to have to get used to the difference."

Caddying for Daniels will be Arizona women's golf head coach Todd McCorkle. Daniels said having McCorkle by her side will help her focus more on particular aspects of her game.

"I have been hitting my shots a little faster but coach told me to slow down," Daniels said. "He told me to slow down my whole game and that has really helped me out."

McCorkle is more than happy to be caddying for his star senior.

"She asked me to do it," McCorkle said. "She trusts me and I know her game as well as anyone."

McCorkle said Daniels will perform to her capability if she can settle down and relax.

"I think she will do well but it will be nerve-racking for her since it is her first LPGA tournament," McCorkle said.

Daniels said that in order to perform up to her potential, she needs to polish certain aspects of her game. Daniels says the most improved part of her game is her wedge play.

"I am working on my wedge play and it has really improved," Daniels said. "It is the most drastic improvement in my game."

The tournament will not be an easy one for Daniels. Seventeen out of the top 20 players on the money list for the LPGA will be in action. Highlighting the tournament is former Wildcat Annika Sorenstam, who has won 18 LPGA tournaments in the 1990s, more than any player in LPGA.

Former Wildcats Marisa Baena, Chris Johnson, and Leta Lindley will also be in action.

"I'm really good friends with Marisa Baena so I am having a great time out here," Daniels said.

No matter how Daniels does at her first LPGA tournament, McCorkle will be proud of his star senior.

"I'm proud of her everyday, on and off the course," McCorkle said. "She is a wonderful golfer."