Golf: Davies' build-up hit by storms

LAURA DAVIES had a frustrating time yesterday in her US Women's Open build-up at Old Waverly, Mississippi. She managed only one tee shot in practice before thunder and lightning forced play to be abandoned on the eve of the championship.

However, Davies, bidding to repeat her 1987 victory, was delighted to be told that the course is tailor-made for her long hitting as it boasts a number of huge par fours and lots of water.

"It will make a nice change to be playing courses where the par fours are not just a pitch for the second shots," she said. "And, from what I have seen, the rough is not as severe as at some US Opens, so maybe I will be able to use my driver."

Alison Nicholas, the only other Briton to have won the title, said: "It's a tough track, but a great course. Coming back to a US Open always brings back great memories."