Defending champion Seon Hwa Lee is hoping a return to the scene of prior success will help her break through for her first LPGA win of 2009 when the event at Pinnacle Country Club starts on Friday.

The $1.8-million, 54-hole tournament features 14 of the top 20 on the LPGA Official Money list.

South Korea's Lee, 23, arrives still in search of her first victory of the year.

"When I won this tournament in 2008, that was my second win that year, so it was memorable," she said.

Now her aim is to keep alive her streak of three straight seasons with at least one victory.

"I'm working really hard off the golf course, with strength and my fitness, and I'm practicing hard and working with my coach," she said. "I finished the top-five the last six tournaments. I think my game is coming together."

While Lee has past success here to draw on, the course has been extensively remodeled.

"Almost every hole is very different than last year," she said. "It won't be easier since they changed it so much, but I have a good feeling in Arkansas and this golf course."

Cristie Kerr, who owns the top spot on the LPGA money list, is also in the field, along with reigning Evian Masters champion Ai Miyazato of Japan and top-ranked LPGA rookie Jiyai Shin of South Korea - a former British Women's Open champion are also in the field.

Major titlists Brittany Lincome, who won the Kraft Nabisco Championship, and Eun-Hee Ji, winner of the US Women's Open are also on tap.

American fans will get to see US star Michelle Wie make her first appearance in Arkansas. The Hawaiian was favorably impressed with what she saw of the course in practice.

"I'm really excited to be here," Wie said. "You have to think a lot on the golf course. There are a lot of options on the tee. I heard that they redid the course and the greens, and the conditions are fantastic. They're rolling really truly."