November 1, 2022
Despite the news of Sörenstam’s participation being received in a generally positive way, there was some pushback against it from some of the other professionals competing. There was both acceptance and opposition to Sörenstam participating in the tournament, most notably the world number seven Vijay Singh, who threatened to not play in the tournament if he was in a group with Sörenstam. When asked about the matter, he said: “She doesn’t belong out here. She’s the best woman golfer in the world, and I want to emphasize ‘woman.’ We have our tour for men, and they have their tour. She’s taking the spot from someone in the field.”14 In Singh’s eyes, there should not have been overlap between men’s and women’s golf, and Sorenstam should have stayed on her own tour rather than taking away a spot from a man. The historical status quo of golf had been disrupted, and this hit a nerve for some of the male professionals. From Sörenstam’s perspective, she was incredibly surprised by the intense press coverage. When interviewed about the attention, she said: ”I am overwhelmed. I can’t believe all the attention. It’s funny. Suddenly everyone is an expert on my game and how I think and some of them never saw me play. So it’s just really funny that everybody’s involved in this, but I’m enjoying it as well. I take it as a compliment. And of course, I’d like to play well this week and show them. That’s why I’m here and I’m serious.”15 Despite the fact that she had experienced television cameras and spectators before, this was a different kind of scrutiny. If she buckled under pressure and underperformed, then it would not just reflect badly on her, but on the LPGA and women’s golf in general. She had a lot to gain, but also a lot to potentially lose.
On the first tee, all eyes were on Sörenstam. Being the only female golfer in the tournament put an unimaginable amount of pressure on her shoulders. Although she had experienced high-pressure situations in the past, this was a new level of attention. Whether or not she fully realized it at the time, Sörenstam was not only playing for herself – but she was also representing women’s golf as a whole. Coverage of the event mostly focused on Sörenstam, with commentators especially praising her composure and courage, rather than her athletic skill.16 It was true that she was at a disadvantage in terms of distance compared to her male counterparts, but she did not let that stop her from trying. She was determined to make the cut, referring to being present for the final round: ”I’m very optimistic I’ll be here Sunday.”17 The golfing world was captivated to see how a woman would compare to some of the top professional men. At the end of two first rounds, Sörenstam was four strokes away from making the cut. Her final score of 145 (71, 74) still put her ahead of nearly a quarter of the men in the field, but not quite enough to secure a spot in the third and fourth rounds.18 While she did not make it all the way in the tournament, she represented herself and women’s golf to the best of her ability and was ultimately proud of what she had achieved. Her performance in this tournament was a learning opportunity, and Sörenstam took what she had learned into the next few years of her career. By the time she retired in 2008, Sörenstam had over seventy LPGA wins under her belt, ten major championships and several other wins on various women’s professional tours. Her legacy has had a significant impact on the world of women’s professional golf. One of the most notable followers of Sörenstam’s PGA appearance was a young Michelle Wie, who competed in several PGA tournaments in the early stages of her career. Sörenstam praised Wie’s participation, continuing to encourage women and girls to challenge themselves and play with the men as she did.19 Annika Sörenstam will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest players in women’s golf. As an inspiration for young girl golfers around the world, Sörenstam proved that hard work could take you infinitely further than talent, and that determination is essential for success in any aspect of life. Her performance in 2003 is one of many highlights in an illustrious career, but the importance of her playing in this event cannot be understated. I can relate very closely to Sörenstam, as I too have often been the only girl or one of a few girls playing in a junior tournament with boys. When I won a junior tournament in 2014 as the only female golfer in the field, my win was met with disdain from some of the male players and their parents, who felt my win was unfair because I played the course from the women’s tees. Junior golf is one of the many areas where there is still a significant gap between men’s and women’s golf, as well as pay differences, television coverage and golf course privileges.20 Nevertheless, it is women like Annika Sörenstam who continue to advocate for women in golf that are working tirelessly to close the gap. More women in golf can follow in her example and be advocates for the women’s game and the skill of female golfers that often is neglected. That is what makes Annika Sörenstam a champion both in the game of golf and in the fight for gender equality in sport.Alia Hernandez Daraiseh
I really liked this article, as you portrayed women athletes to be more than just what they’re perceived to be in the media. They are portrayed as weak and some women feel as if they don’t belong. I think it’s hilarious how men feel threatened that women are on the golf course. If they didn’t feel so threatened, then they wouldn’t care if women are there. Great job on this article!
16/11/2022
11:57 am
Emily Rodriguez
First off, congratulations on your nomination for your article. I loved how you opened up the story with golf and the protagonist herself, while also then going into the personal experience before going back to the protagonist. I’ve always enjoyed when people use a personal story within their story because it gives the author a sense of credibility and it shows why you’re passionate about this topic.
17/11/2022
11:57 am
Sophia Phelan
The way you told this story was so beautiful. I felt like I was with you on this journey. Sexism in sports is prevalent and I am grateful to have learned so much about golf.
17/11/2022
11:57 am
Sudura Zakir
I am happy that the author highlighted women athletics in the society. I enjoyed reading and knowing about performance of women. Although women are not considered as better compared to man but this article was one of the major example of women’s contribution in golf. Firm determination and hard work will lead you toward success. That’s why women should work hard and success will come in the way. Good work!!!!
18/11/2022
11:57 am
Vanessa Preciado
Nicely done! I like the article stresses how back then women were always underestimated, as it is true. But the thing that these women prove, is that not only men can be good at an all mens sport, but they can possibly even be better. The personal paragraphs about these women really show how determined they will be and thats why they are successful!Great job!
18/11/2022
11:57 am
Lorena Maldonado
This was a very well written article. Made it very clear and easy to understand. I also love how it is being brought to attention how women are treated in sports compared to men. It was interesting to hear about her life and the difficulties she went through but also how she grew up with healthy competition. I also like how the history of sports inequality was brought up because that gives a nice clear background.
20/11/2022
11:57 am
Shecid Sanchez
Congratulations on your award nomination ! Definitely enjoyed learning about a female athlete because even though were in the 21st century women are still looked down on compared to men. its always the male sports that get supported and sponsors. Women have always been viewed as weak. Mind blowing that to this day men are apposed to women being on a golf course.
20/11/2022
11:57 am
Brody Ticer
Very well put together and very well said Libby! The stigma around women in sports is a thing that needs to end. This quote, “Golf is known to all who play it as an incredibly frustrating game, but also incredibly rewarding of hard work”, is a great one and is spot on. Golf is the hardest sport in the world and staying tough minded throughout will test who you are as a person. Congrats on your nomination!
20/11/2022
11:57 am
Alyssa Leos
First I want to say congratulations on your article being nominated for an award. It feels so empowering how women overcame so many obstacles. It’s sad how women golfers were considered “slower” than men, also how only junior girls represent only 1% of golf club members in England. I was never really interested in golf, but if I was, I would definitely look up to Annika. Again congratulations on your award nomination! Well deserved.
20/11/2022
11:57 am
Madeline Bloom
Great work on this article!! I enjoy reading about female athletes in this society. Female athletes are always looked at as weak and the fact that some feel like they do not belong is mind blowing. Junior girls represent only 1% of golf club members in England. I have seen that female presence on the golf course was often unwelcome by some of the older male players. If you keep working, then you will eventually achieve your dreams.
09/11/2022
11:57 am