McGann Tries to Re-Grip Her Game

SIMI VALLEY —  This LPGA season can go only one way for Michelle McGann--up.

McGann, 30, is in a seven-way tie for 20th place after two rounds of the 54-hole L.A. Women’s Championship at Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley.

She shot a one-over-par 73 on Saturday for a one-over 145 total.

It was another encouraging round for McGann, who finished 78th at The Office Depot in mid-January and missed the cut at the Subaru Memorial of Naples three weeks ago.

“I played really solid,” McGann said. “I hit the ball well even though the course is very wet.”

McGann won seven tournaments between 1995-97 but finished in the top 10 only once last year.

She earned $115,054, her lowest total since winning $34,846 in 1990, her second season on the tour.

A diabetic since age 13, McGann’s game started to slip two years ago when she had an insulin pump surgically implanted in her abdomen. She wears a computerized device that regulates the insulin intake.

McGann had a scare at the State Farm Rail Classic in September at Springfield, Ill. The pump was dislodged during the first round and McGann, who wasn’t aware of the problem, began to vomit uncontrollably.

She was rushed to a hospital and returned for the second round but shot a 75 and fell out of contention.

“That was a total freak accident,” McGann said. “Going from totally having insulin 24 hours a day to not having it for eight hours is a big change.

“I’m a lot more conscious [of the pump while playing] now.”

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McGann already is preparing for the Cup Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open that starts Thursday.

At least she has her attire ready.

McGann played Saturday in turquoise Capri pants splashed with colorful designs, a canary sweater and powder-blue shirt.

“It’s fun, it’s bright,” McGann said. “It’s a little different than your typical black pants.”

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Someone else attempting to bounce back after a forgettable season is Terry-Jo Myers, the tournament winner three years ago.

Myers had back surgery in July, her second in eight months, and played in only nine events. She also has an incurable bladder disease.

Despite the cold wind blowing through Wood Ranch on Saturday, Myers said her back held up well.

“[The back] is beautiful, absolutely,” Myers said. “I just have to shake the rust off.”

Myers shot a four-over 76 for a total of 155, missing the cut by six strokes.

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Dana Dormann, from Hueneme High, and Tamie Durdin, the junior All-American at Pepperdine, also missed the cut.

Dormann shot a 75 for a two-round total of 152.

Durdin, who received a sponsor’s exemption, shot 80 for 161.

Emilee Klein, who graduated from Notre Dame High, shot 72 for a 146 total and is tied for 27th.

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With five Korean players in the 132-player field, tournament organizers issued 56 media credentials to the Korean media.

They paid close attention to Mi Hyun Kim, a second-year tour player who is tied for second place at 141 after a second-round 72.