‘Only Be Great for Women’s Golf If…”: Annika Sorenstam’s Bold Controversial Decision in 2003 to Play in an All Men Event Was Met With Mixed Feelings

The golf world has seen its fair share of controversies, with almost every golfer having seen one during their career. The LPGA’s Annika Sorenstam is no stranger to controversy either. But in 2003, she had many in the golf world enraged with her career’s biggest-ever controversy when she decided to participate in an all-men event.

Sorenstam is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished golfers on the LPGA Tour. The hall-of-fame golfer has won 72 times on the Tour, including ten majors. In 2003, she also became the first woman in 58 years to play in an all-male event.

Annika Sorenstam sets the golf world ablaze with her decision

In 2003, Sorenstam was invited to play in a men’s event at the Colonial Invitational. Surprising the entire golf world, she accepted. Her decision was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While some praised her as a trailblazer for women’s golf and a role model for breaking down barriers, others argued that it was a publicity stunt.

But to the LPGA, it was just a matter of testing her mantle. “I thought this would be a true test to see what are my strengths, what are my weaknesses?” said the LPGA star in a 2003 interview with ABCNews. “That’s pretty much it, that’s why I’m doing it.”

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“Being an athlete, I’ve always wanted to push myself, to try things, and that’s exactly what I’m doing,” Sorenstam explained. She stated that all she wanted was to see if she could perform on the same level as the men. The star also claimed that she would never again, besides this, play in a pro tournament against men.

How did the PGA Tour pros feel about Annika’s decision?

She was welcomed by a few men like Phil Mickelson, who said, “She’s the greatest player on the LPGA tour.” “It’s not like she’s a slouch.” Tiger Woods, too, welcomed her, but with reservations. He stated, “It will only be great for women’s golf if she plays well.”

Conversely, Vijay stood, completely closed off to the idea of her playing. “What is she going to prove by playing?” he said to The Associated Press. “It’s ridiculous. “She doesn’t belong out there.” He further added that if Sorenstam was paired up with him, then we would certainly withdraw from the event.

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Do you think Annika was right to accept the invitation to test her skills? Let us know in the comments below.