LPGA Veteran Alcott, 40, Is Going On 30

The last time the LPGA staged a tournament at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, Amy Alcott stood over a five-foot putt on the 18th hole on the last day that could have put her into a three-way playoff.

She missed. It was 1987. Now, 10 years later, Alcott is still feeling the effects of that golf ball that didn’t roll in. It’s your classic what-could-have-been scenario.

If Alcott had made the putt, then won the playoff instead of Jane Geddes, Alcott would have her 30 victories by now and she would be in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Of course, with 29 victories and five major championships, Alcott clearly belongs there anyway.

“It’s funny, Jane said to me, ‘Amy, I really feel bad about it, I would rather have beaten anyone else than you,’ � Alcott said. “That’s the competitor in her, I guess.�

When the $650,000 Los Angeles Women’s Championship begins today at Oakmont, Alcott may be at the golf course, but only to visit. She broke her left kneecap two months ago when she slipped on some wet concrete and doesn’t expect to be able to play again until at least the Nabisco Dinah Shore March 27-30.

Alcott began rehabilitation three weeks ago after a soft cast was removed.

When she does return for her 22nd year on the tour, Alcott is prepared to answer more questions about the Hall of Fame requirements that a player must win 30 events and four major titles.

“Half the people ask when I’m going to win the 30th, and the other half say it’s the most ridiculous Hall of Fame they’ve ever heard of,� she said.

“My motivation is not to win 30, but to play the golf I’m capable of.�

Alcott, 40, said she is sorry to be missing Oakmont, no matter how hard it might play.

For such a neatly manicured layout, it can be hazardous to your par. It’s not very long, only 6,276 yards, but the fairways are about as wide as a hallway and the greens are so fast, the best way to get ready for them is to practice putting on the sidewalk.

The three previous times the LPGA Tour stopped at Oakmont, there were only five scores under par.

Jan Stephenson won in 1985 with a two-over-par 290, the highest winning score that year. Chris Johnson won with a four-under total in 1986, one shot ahead of Geddes. In 1987, Geddes won the playoff with Robin Walton after they both finished at two-under par. Alcott was one under.

But that was 10 years, three victories, two majors and one broken kneecap ago. Alcott prefers to look on the bright side.

“Something good will come out of this,� she said. “Maybe I’ll win the U.S. Open, or something really exciting will happen.�

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Los Angeles Women’s Championship

* Dates: Today-Sunday.

* Course: Oakmont Country Club (6,276 yards, par 72), Glendale.

* Purse: $650,000.

* Winner’s share: $97,500.

* Television: Saturday, Fox Sports West 2, delayed, 4-6 p.m.; Sunday, Fox Sports West 2, 1-3 p.m.; Fox Sports West, delayed, 5-7 p.m.

* Last year: First-year event; Oakmont was site of GNA-Glendale Federal Classic from 1985-87.