by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright May 22, 2003
All Rights Reserved.

ot since the original "battle of the sexes," when rickety-legged Bobby Riggs played gun-slinging feminist Billy Jean King on Sept. 20, 1973, has the sports world seen more hype than 32-year-old Annika Sorenstam stepping up to the first tee at Bank of America's Colonial Golf Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas. When she announced she'd play the Colonial in February, grumbling was already audible in PGA circles, accusing the Swedish star of robbing male golfers of a place in the draw. Sponsoring their first tour event, Bank of America hit the jackpot, with Annika rocketing interest an otherwise humdrum event, especially with Tiger Woods out of the picture. Unlike King, Sorenstam wasn't competing to up the status of women, but to measure herself against the world's best golfers. With all the pressure, shooting one over par in the first round was a feet in itself.

       Fifty-eight years after Olympic track star turned golfer Babe Didrikson competed in a PGA tour event, Sorenstam will now test the water. Few expect her to win, let alone make the cut after 36 holes, but you've got to admire her guts—and her first round score of 71. When Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983, she did wonders for women, though she followed Russian cosmonaut Valentina Teshkova by 20 years. After winning 13 of 25 tournaments in 2002, Sorenstam decided to increase her strength to add distance to her game. She'll need all the distance she can get playing the Colonial, averaging about 33 yards longer per hole than typical ladies' events. As most golfers know, distance influences all aspects of the game, not just hitting off the tee. Playing longer irons also changes approach shots to greens, forcing Annika to make constant adjustments.

    In a game of millimeters, minor adjustments make huge differences on the course. No matter how much practice, added distance, altered club selection, and, yes, extraordinary pressure should also take its toll. When tolerances are tight, nerves play a decisive factor in performance. "I'm trying to take my game to a different level and I thin this will help me," said Sorenstam, dispelling unfounded concerns that she intends to compete on the men's tour. It's doubtful that playing one PGA event will have much impact on Annika's game. For curiosity seekers, she adds drama to the tournament but probably won't cause any breakthroughs—either for herself or women's golf. Though Sorenstam won't break records, her presence at the Colonial opened up a can of worms. Unable to contain himself, the world's No. 7 ranked golfer Vijay Singh shot off his mouth—and hurt his commercial appeal

    In typical Bobby Riggs style, Singh vented his opinion that Sorenstam should stick to the ladies' tour. "What is she going to prove by playing? It's ridiculous," said Singh. "She's the best woman golfer in the world, and I want to emphasize "woman." We have our tour and they have their tour. She's taking a spot from someone else in the field," guaranteeing himself, if nothing else, a spot in the chauvinist hall of fame. Whatever validity to Singh's argument, it's lost by his insensitivity and naiveté. Displaying immaturity, Singh shot himself in the foot. "I hope she misses the cut . . . Why? Because she doesn't belong there," showing no class and assuring endless harassment by an unforgiving press. Singh's gaffe gave priceless publicity to this year's Colonial, making Annika Sorenstam a household word. Even the world's No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods weighed in, encouraging more invitations to top woman pros.

    Sorenstam's entrance in the Colonial was long overdue, especially in light of the growing controversy at The Masters, barring women at Augusta National. Settling questions about physiologic differences between the sexes has nothing to do with Singh's chauvanism, or, for that matter, the PGA Tour Policy Board, currently considering a ban on women playing in PGA events. "Do you not think that the atmosphere this week is somewhat of a circus-type deal? There is a lot of stuff going on . . . that we normally don't have to deal with," said David Toms, a member of the PGA's policy-making board, considering changing the bylaws to ban women. Annika's presence at the Colonial creates a hubbub because of its rarity, not because men and women can't compete responsibly together. Unlike other sports demanding brute strength, golf offers the best chance of the sexes competing on a level playing field.

    Battling nerves and swarms of reporters, Annika Sorenstam shot a respectable 71 on her first round at the Colonial. If she can punch through the psychological barrier, she has a good shot at making the 36-hole cut. "I've been nervous all day. Obviously, I'm very happy with the way I played," said Annika. "I'm just glad the day is over. It's a relief now," giving competitors reason for concern in the next round should she control her nerves. While Las Vegas gave Sorenstam 500-1 to win, the fact that she's competing effectively—nerves and all—underscores her special talents. Going into the Colonial, few players of any caliber could have withstood the pressure leading up to the first tee. "I'd love to make the cut. But if I play like I did today, it hardly matters," said Sorenstam, satisfied that she played her best. For nay Sayers like Singh, they should take a deep breath and spare the tour any more embarrassment.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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