CORNING, N.Y., May 26 (UPI) -- The Corning Classic begins in New York Thursday with a field that includes top-ranked Annika Sorenstam and defending champion Juli Inkster.
Inkster set a tournament record with a 24-under-par 264, including a 62 in the final round, to win by four strokes last year.
"It was a memorable Sunday round, one that you don't forget," Inkster said.
The 43-year-old Inkster hasn't won yet this year but tied for second at the Michelob Ultra Open.
Sorenstam, who has 50 career titles, has played in five events in the United States this year, winning two of them. She also won a tournament in Australia.
Money-leader Grace park is among other stars entered, along with Sherri Steinhauer and Lorena Ochoa, who won the last two tour events.
"I definitely gained a lot of confidence from last week," Steinhauer said. "After last year I lost a lot and it's amazing what a win can do. It can bring a lot of confidence back in and I feel good about my game.
The tournament is played on the 6,062-yard Corning Country Club course.
