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All about Annika
In an All-Access Pass column earlier this year, TravelGolf.com senior editor Shane Sharp went on record against Annika Sorenstam's bid to play on the PGA Tour, suggesting she "take her sideshow somewhere else." With Sorenstam's debut set for May 22-25 at the Colonial in Texas, we asked readers to offer their opinion of Sorenstam becoming the first woman to participate on the PGA Tour since 1945. A sampling of the comments follow below.
If the truth be known, Annika did more harm than good for the game of golf.
Frank W. Lisk, via email
Oh, my goodness. I can't believe all the crazy hype and insanity that has been expressed by one simple invitation. Ok, first for those of you who don't know the history: A gal named (Suzy) Whaley in the Midwest qualified last year to play in a PGA event. So, the PGA Tour commissioner thought, well hey, if she's going to play, why don't we invite the very best woman to play first. So, a handful of invitations were extended by the PGA to Annika (who is indisputably the best female golfer around right now) and she accepted. Period. End of story. She accepted the invitation and whew, you'd think she "asked for" all the ensuing whiplash she received. She said (over and over) that she was out there to see how she faired against the best tour and best players in the world.
So, if anyone who has chosen to slam her in the press, or accuse her of trying to degenderize America, or trying to say she took a paycheck away from someone - would just stop all the chatter for a brief moment and READ. Read the past articles, read her comments and let it rest. She is a good person, a great golfer and she is human. I played for UCLA opposite Annika in college, and just looking at the recent photos of her show me the stress and scrutiny she's been under - all because she accepted an invitation to play against the best golfers on the best tour. It was personal test, not a political statement. So please, let it rest.
Kristyl Cornell, Riverside, Calif.
Let her play. The fact is on a short course, there's no reason a skilled female player can't compete with men. Just keep it in perspective -- she can't compete at the Masters or at Bay Hill or on the other long and really tough courses of the men's tour. Would you consider Mark Brooks a contender at Augusta? Of course not. But he can win on the shorter courses requiring accuracy and great putting. It's a no win for the men and a no lose for the women. if she does well it's a big deal. if she doesn't, it's no big deal.
Nick Aramino, via email
I love Annika to death, but since she gets to play with the men, who is going to be the lucky man to play with the women? I think the women would have a fit if a male golfer were to play with them. Unfortunately, men and women should not be competing with each other on a professional level due to physical capabilities. And I don't mean to sound sexist....any of those women can beat me.
Shane Barger, Virginia Beach
I think Vijay has sorely missed the point and forgotten where his paycheck comes from. Without sponsors, his checks would be considerably smaller. Instead of supporting the last guy in from the PGA, he should throw some support towards those who help pay his way.
Ryan Daiger, MacRo, Ltd.
I believe anyone should be allowed to play on the PGA tour until they rename in the MPGA. If she can compete using the same rules and tee boxes, let her. Do we need three tours to accomodate the men who are unable to compete with Annika in an unrestricted tour?
Jeff Engelhardt, via email
Say what you want about Vijay Singh's comments regarding Annika's participation at the Colonial. When Vijay can "conveniently" win the Byron Nelson so he has a good excuse not to play at the Colonial, HE IS NOT JUST GOOD, HE IS GREAT! What a perfect way to shut everyone up! I hope he enjoys his week off away from the stupid media and Annika - and drinks champagne from his trophy while he counts his million dollars. Touche' Vijay!
Neville Cramer, McLean, Virginia
I deplore the insistence of some people to gender neutralize this country (Augusta, etc.), and truly believe in the separation of the men's and women's golf tours, but if Annika has the guts to run with the big dogs, more power to her. To the men? Go out there and show them why there are two separate tours!
William Bramblett, via email
Sorenstram does not belong on the men's tour. Her presence in the Colonial has cost a man his opportunity to earn a living this week. The LPGA does not allow men, the PGA tour should not allow women to enter tournaments either. I am not against women playing golf or anything else. Annika will not be able to compete. I believe that her iron play will be the difference. She will be hitting 4 or 5 while the men will be hitting 7 or 8. There will be a hugh difference in accuracy.
Kelly Leonard, via email
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Penny Dunovsky, via email
Vijay Singh, the new Colin Montgomery! I say pair Annika with Vijay in the Colonial so he can take his clubs and go home. I wonder if Hoch ever heard of Bobby Riggs? He too was an elitist pompous ass!
Steve Kink, via email
After recent comments by Mr. Singh, I only hope Annika kicks his sarong covered ass!
Robert Perry, via email
I believe that any negative comments about Annika playing in the Colonial are coming from a person that does not think that women are equal. Are some of the golfers afraid that she might show them up? I don't believe that she can keep up with some of the golfers but believe that she will make a decent showing.
Howard Elgart, via email
I admired Anika's comments until she stated on "60 Minutes" that "It is hard to get motivated when you have won 13 tournaments." I found this remark somewhat inappropriate. Wonder what motivates Tiger? Or better yet Jack, Bobby, The Babe and some of the other all-time greats.
Janice Orum, via email
It was done in 1945; what's the big deal? She just wants to try it. She is a very nice lady and should be treated so.
Carol Boyer, via email
I think it is wonderful that this woman is so good at her game that she can challenge the very best of male golfers at theirs. The single ability women lack is the power to hit the ball a long way. Their short game and putting skills are second to none. It will be interesting to see how Annika does during the tournament. I hope she can bring her A game.
David Harrison, via email
It's unfortunate she was given a sponsor's exemption. I feel she should have had to "play" her way into a tournament.
Charles Tapp, via email
She can't win. The only reason Annika Sorenstam is playing is to get an idea on how big the separation is, and of course the publicity. She should be satisfied to be the best women's player, period.
Thomas Grove, via email
Wish Annika the best of luck but think she would do more for the game of LPGA by concentrating there. She is a cute gal and a great golfer.
Al Stump, via email
Annika is setting another goal for herself by competing against the PGA tour. I wish her well, and hope that many youngsters watch the tournament. It shows confidence at its highest level.
Shirley Estabrooks, Estabrooks Havencrest Inc
I think the Sorenstam thing is a sideshow like the Billy Jean King v. Bobby Riggs match. It will prove nothing. There are women who could play in the PGA and PGA pros who couldn't make it in the LPGA.
Larry Hannah, via email
