Sport

71 blows into the heart of chauvinism

Annika Sorenstam struck a blow for women's golf and women's sport in general yesterday at the Colonial Golf Club in Texas; 71…

Lawrence Donegan
Fri May 23 2003 - 01:00

Annika Sorenstam struck a blow for women's golf and women's sport in general yesterday at the Colonial Golf Club in Texas; 71 blows, in fact.

In the first appearance by a woman golfer at a top-flight men's professional tournament for 58 years, the 32-year-old defied predictions that she would embarrass herself when she shot a one-over-par 71 in the first round of the US PGA's Colonial Tournament.

"I'm absolutely delighted. I was so nervous on the first tee that I thought I might not be able to make a swing," she said. "I learned so much from the pressure, from the crowds and from the guys that I played with. It was a wonderful day though I am very glad it is now over."

The Swedish golfer, who has won 44 times on the US women's tour, leads a number of illustrious names from the men's PGA Tour, including Stuart Appleby, Peter Jacobsen and Steve Elkington, a former major tournament winner. She also beat one of her playing partners, Aaron Barber, by one shot and scored the same as the other, Dean Wilson.

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Sorenstam was quick to pay tribute to both. "They were so kind to me, so generous, that I don't know if I would have been able to make it through the round without them."

More than 600 journalists had applied to attend the tournament, while tickets sold out months ago.

Asked if the day had been all she expected, Sorenstam said: "Much more. I've been nervous all day, I thought it would go after a few holes but I was tense all day."

Sorenstam, who was six behind early leader Patrick Sheehan, added: "Everything was going through my mind, I was very nervous on the first tee.

"I've been hitting the ball well but I didn't know if I was going to do it today, the course was playing so long.

"I'm just glad the day is over, I enjoyed it but it's a relief now."

The course was playing longer than usual after a lot of rain, adding to the difficulties for Sorenstam.

"I could be more aggressive, but I was hitting longer clubs in and the pin placements were the toughest I've seen," she added. "I've learned so much in one day, that's the reason why I'm here. I'm absorbing so many things, I'm so thankful to be here."