General Sports

[Al Dyer]

Sorenstam Misses the Cut in PGA Tour Debut

May 23, 7:49 PM (ET)

By DOUG FERGUSON

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FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Annika Sorenstam was good enough to play against the men, but only for two days.

Her historic ride at the Colonial ended abruptly Friday afternoon when she stumbled to five bogeys in a span of eight holes and missed the cut by four shots.

She made a 14-foot par putt on the 18th hole for a 4-over 74 and left the green in tears, emotionally worn out from the intense scrutiny of being the first woman in 58 years to play on the PGA Tour.

Sorenstam played two rounds over the 7,080-yard Colonial in 5-over 145 and tied for 96th, finishing ahead of 11 players.

No one knew how she would fare against the best players in the world, especially on a course that was longer and tougher than anything she has played........
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I have nothing but respect for Annika doing what she did in trying the PGA tour. It takes guts, stamina, and personal resolve. My hat off to her and I hope she keeps trying.

That said so I don't sound like a total jerk, she was not playing against the best players in the world, she performing with males that are borderline tour members at best.

The only name I recognized at the colonial was Annika. Go for it because I think she can play better after this, the first test that can get the jitters out. Boy, how many men don't make the tour and play in Japan or Korea to make a living. And let V.J. Sing another tune in male dominated India.

It is now out of my system, thanks folks!!!!

Al...

 

[energy]

A little masculine

She looked like a girly man with nice shorts! Judging by her origin, she may be a he!

 

[Neil]

For the record VJ is Fijian and about 20 out of the top 30 men were there which is pretty typical for a PGA event. Actually tee to green she was excellent, it was her chipping and mostly putting that did her in. It was strictly for emotional growth and the personal challenge and I don't think you will see her out there again. She is a superb athlete and she deserves all of the credit in the world.

 

[RoxaneB]

Mixed emotions

Not quite sure how I feel about Annika playing with the boys. They may be mid-range players, but she was still on a course that was more difficult than what she was used to. Taking that into account, along with jitters, press attention, etc...well, hey, at least she didn't come in last.

That being said, call me old fashioned, but why can't there be clubs exclusive to men...and clubs exclusive to women?!?! What is so wrong with that concept?

I'm not saying I condone the distinct separation of the sexes, but every now and then, fellas, I'd rather be with my own gender.

Girls can now participate in Scouts. And apparently, to make it equal, boys can participate in the the Girl Scouts. What boy in his right mind wants to hang out with a bunch of girls?!?! Frankly, what they should have done was revamped the Girl Scouts (Guides to us Canucks). Added new badges that were more in line with boy scouts, more camping, needlework focusing on practical items beyond making a frilly apron.

When it comes to sports, there are very few events that allow for a relatively equal (i.e. level) playing field. We're just built differently from each other...that's a fact that we really can't change. Evolution happened.

So, answer me this...how many sports out there truly have men and women competing against each other? Here's my two sense:

- Equestrian (show-jumping): men and women, male and female horses
- Racing: men and women jockeys, but the races are gender-based for the horses
- Figure skating: pairs and ice dancing only
- Autoracing : although few women have the endurance to go the distance

 

[Al Dyer]

Sorry Neil,

Fijian, Indian, makes no difference to me, he is a great golfer.

As for Annika,

Most people are good tee to green, and every person that plays golf has to have a short game to make themselves competitive. I'm a 14 handicap and miss two putts regularly, my only saving grace is that I usually hit the green in two, except for those 585 yard par fives!!!!

I'm a little leery of your statement that 20 of the worlds top 30 were at the Colonial. I watch regularly and hardly recognized a name. Can you give me the source so I can keep my records straight?

Yes, she is superb, it might be just a matter of physical development that allows men to hit balls further, but I do say, she lost on the short game that does not require strength, but finesse(sp)

Al...

 

[Laura M]

#15 Kenny Perry, #12, Justin Leonard, #35 Jeff Sluman, NR Brandt Jobe, #140 Sutton, #123 Rory Sabatini, #10 Jim Furyk, #34 Fred Funk, ? Estaban Toledo, #87 Dan Forsman, #127 Frazer, #5 Phil Mickelson, #11 Nick Price, #100 Dudley Hart, #141 Jesper Parnevik, #62 Calcavecchia, ? Joey Sindelar were the top finishers
Many in the top 30 ranking weren't among the top finishers, and I don't ahve those who missed the cut to finish whether or not the top 30 participated. Pretty Sure #11 Nick Price, #18 Scott Hoch, #23 Verplank were all names I saw, so it is possible 20 of the top 30 were in.

http://www.golfweb.com/stats/r_186.html

 

[Laura M]

Re: A little masculine

Originally posted by energy
She looked like a girly man with nice shorts! Judging by her origin, she may be a he!

Can't let you get away with that big boy. Obviously you just threw out the LPGA stereotype, and didn't watch. She wore pants (men's tour doesn't allow shorts, so I'm sure she played along.) And, compared to most of the LPGA, she's one of the leanest - and, at risk of turning the thread the path of others, kinda cute. Maybe you were actually watching the LPGA!

 

[energy]

Re: Re: A little masculine

Originally posted by Laura M
Can't let you get away with that big boy. Obviously you just threw out the LPGA stereotype, and didn't watch. She wore pants (men's tour doesn't allow shorts, so I'm sure she played along.) And, compared to most of the LPGA, she's one of the leanest - and, at risk of turning the thread the path of others, kinda cute. Maybe you were actually watching the LPGA!

You got me. I noticed she was wearing white slacks. I'm just jealous of anybody with bigger biceps than mine. And, she is kinda cute.

 

[Greg B]

Re: Mixed Sports

Originally posted by RCBeyette

So, answer me this...how many sports out there truly have men and women competing against each other? Here's my two sense:

- Equestrian (show-jumping): men and women, male and female horses
- Racing: men and women jockeys, but the races are gender-based for the horses
- Figure skating: pairs and ice dancing only
- Autoracing : although few women have the endurance to go the distance

RcB,

What about these Lawn Bowls, Archery, Snooker, Sailing, Shooting, Three day event (Horses - Good to watch), Cutting and Barrel Racing (1/4 Horses - Good to watch) to name a few. I know most of these are boring (to watch) sports but they could still compete. I play Golf off 14 and there are a few women around here that could beat me easily.


GregB

 

[Teknow]

On the topic of guys mixing it with the gals in sports, how about letting men into the ladies tennis tournaments - may be the only way Tim henman will ever win a Wimbledon singles title ( but only if Venus & Serena are injured!)