Oahu, Hawaii (AHN) - Lorena Ochoa had one of those memorable years an athlete dreams about last season on the LPGA Tour, and now she's back for more.

Ochoa returns this weekend in the season-opening SBS Open on the LPGA Tour after her dominant 2006 season in which she was named Player of the Year, won six tournaments, and became the second player in LPGA history to finish in excess of $2 million dollars on the money list.

Joo Min Kim is also back to defend her title at the event, the first of her professional career.

Kim birdied the second playoff hole to win the title last year, defeating eventual Player of the Year Lorena Ochoa and Soo Young Moon at Turtle Bay.

Karrie Webb has already gotten off to a fast start this season in Australia, winning titles in successive weeks and will be among the players to watch over the weekend.

Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis are also in the field, as are Laura Davies, Cristie Kerr, Se Rie Pak, Ochoa, and 2005 champion Jennifer Rosales.

Nine of the top-10 players on the LPGA money list in 2006 will be competing in the three round event that will run from Thursday through Saturday.

Annika Sorenstam, however, is notably absent from the field.

The tournament will be played on the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay, which just three weeks ago hosted a Champion's Tour event won by Fred Funk.