Sheehan Hopes To Go Head Over Heels Again

It’s been a long time between cartwheels for Patty Sheehan.

When Sheehan, an LPGA Hall of Famer, finally won her first Nabisco Dinah Shore title a year ago, she reeled off a gleeful cartwheel on the 18th green.

“I haven’t done a cartwheel since,” said the frustrated Sheehan, who didn’t win again in 1996 and is off to a slow start this year.

She ranks 58th on the 1997 money list, with her best finish a tie for 18th. Last week, she shot 72-76 to miss the cut at Phoenix.

She’s been busy trying to patch up her swing.

“I’m working on a good shoulder turn, getting off my right side, finishing high, getting my ball position back… . Let’s see, is there anything else?” said the 40-year-old Sheehan, who has 35 career victories.

“I’m just not very comfortable right now.”

Heading into the Dinah Shore last year, Sheehan was determined to add the tournament to her list of five major championships.

She accomplished her goal with a 10-foot putt on the final hole to finish one shot in front of three top players - Annika Sorenstam, Kelly Robbins and Meg Mallon.

“I was playing well last year and I had a lot of confidence,” Sheehan said. “I was putting well, chipping well, doing everything well.”

Among those who will try to deny Sheehan two straight Dinah Shore titles are Laura Davies, who last weekend at Phoenix won the Standard Register Ping to become the only woman in history to win the same tournament four years in a row.

The tournament begins today and continues through Sunday at Mission Hills Country Club.