Suzann PettersenBernard Brault
http://local.globe.com/golfcan/2011/08/pettersen.flv
MIRABEL, Que. - It's been an eventful and emotional summer for Suzann Pettersen.
It began in May when the Norwegian ended a 20-month victory drought by winning the Sybase Match Play Championship. Then, last month, came news of the tragic events in her homeland when a mad-man killed 77 people in a terrorist rampage.
Last week, a tragedy that hit closer to home as Pettersen learned of the death of a close family friend in a skydiving accident. Somehow she managed to put that behind her and overcome a nine stroke deficit to post her second win of the LPGA season at the Safeway Classic.
"It's been an awful summer," said Pettersen, who climbed to No. 2 in the world with last week's victory.
"I mean, the one incident [in July]was probably the worst day in Norway's history since the Second World War. Then there have been a few personal tragedy stories as well. It's sad to say, but it helps you realize what you have in life, and appreciate what you do."
Pettersen, only the third player to surpass $1-million in earnings this year on the LPGA Tour, said playing golf actually helped her to relax. This week, she'll be going for her third straight win of the year, having captured the Irish Open on the Ladies European Tour prior to last week's win in Oregon.
"I think it's rare to see people win multiple times in a season now. You're lucky if you win once and it's even better if you win several times. You've got to enjoy those moments when you finally pull it off because it's getting really tough out here. There are so many good golfers."
Pettersen will also be shooting for her second CN Canadian Women's Open title, having won it the first time back in 2009 in Calgary. She also has three other top-10 finishes in each of the last four national championships.
Another victory will also bring her closer to her goal of catching Yani Tseng for the No. 1 world ranking.
"It's always been a dream of mine since I was a kid to become the best player in the world. So, yes, it would mean a lot to me. What it takes to catch Yani? Win tournaments."