Australians Karrie Webb and Karen Lunn will forge a formidable team at the forthcoming Comunitat Valenciana European Nations Cup.
Webb, a winner of 46 professional titles, and Lunn, an 11-time winner, combine for a total of 57 career victories, more than any other of the 18 nations competing.
Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon of the United States are the next most decorated duo with 55 titles between them. However Webb is in red hot form having recently claimed her seventh ANZ Ladies Masters title at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast in Australia.
The Queenslander shot a final round 11-under 61 for a six stroke victory over her compatriot, the 2009 champion, Katherine Hull and South Korean Bo-Mee Lee. She matched her own record from 1999 at 26-under 262 for the tournament.
Meanwhile Lunn, who hails from Sydney, enjoyed a successful 2009 season, finishing 23rd on the LET’s Henderson Money List and has started 2010 strongly with two top 30 finishes in New Zealand and Australia.
Their combined experience and the fact that they have been friends for a number of years will undoubtedly act in the pair’s favour.
“I have known Webby for about 20 years which is a bit scary! I first played with her when she was about 15 years old I think so we go back a long way,” said Lunn, the 1993 Women’s British Open champion.
“We haven’t played much golf together at all in recent years but when she first turned pro and came to Europe we played a bit together and then when she went to the States we used to play practice rounds together most weeks. Since then we have been playing on different tours so it will be fun to spend some time together again.
“She is a legend. I believe that she is the greatest golfer male or female that Australia has ever produced. Her record speaks for itself. It is a huge honour to represent your country under any circumstances but to partner Karrie representing Australia will certainly be one of the highlights of my career.”
Hall of Famer Webb, who has won seven major championships, is also looking forward to representing Australia with her playing partner.
“I’ve known Karen for over 15 years, great girl who enjoys herself on and off the golf course. Karen had such a fantastic year on the LET last year, with a number of top 10 finishes,” Webb said.
“Before I turned pro Karen had achieved a lot in her career, including winning the Women’s British Open. Early on in my career she helped me out with learning ropes of a being a pro golfer. I looked up to her when I was growing up. I think we have a good shot at it and I’ll be raring to go by the end of April.”
Lunn represented Australia with Joanne Mills at the inaugural event in 2008 and tied for 15th place, while Mills and Nikki Garrett tied for second representing Australia at the 2009 event.
Lunn was keen to return to La Sella Golf Resort in Denia, Alicante, for the third edition of the tournament and said: “I can’t wait to be honest. It is always a huge thrill to represent your country. It is a fantastic event that Alicia (Garrido) and IƱigo (Aramburu) have created and everyone is so excited to be a part of it.”