KEY POINTS:
New Zealand golfer Lynnette Brooky likes her chances of defending the Spanish Open title this week.
"I think I can win any day. As long as the putts drop, I'll be there," said Brooky, a winner of four Ladies European Tour titles.
Brooky, 39, said she had never played the par-72 golf course in the small village of Borriol, which is home to PGA Tour star Sergio Garcia.
Irrespective of the layout she said "it's all down to the putting".
Since winning the Spanish title 12 months ago, Brooky has remodelled her swing with British coach Ian Godleman and she feels she has gained extra power and distance.
She met Godleman on the day of her mother's funeral, when she contested the Women's British Open at Royal Lytham last August.
Since then, she has embarked upon a more spiritual lifestyle, which includes a fresh approach to fitness. She now meditates, practises tai chi and stretches regularly.
"I'm treating it as a job. I'm really dedicated. I've found a really good coach who is committed to me. He's getting me to be a great player rather than just a good player."
The tournament, which carries a purse of €275,000 ($513,730), starts tonight.
Brooky will be joined by Australia's European No 1 Nikki Garrett, fresh from winning last week's Tenerife Ladies Open, Spain's European No 2 Paula Marti, Welsh player Becky Brewerton, England's Trish Johnson and Spain's Tania Elosegui.
As well, Italian Veronica Zorzi, a two-time French Open champion, returns from playing on the LPGA Tour in the United States, and Sweden's Marlene Hedblom is also in the field.
- NZPA
