Annika Sorenstam's golf swing is all about precision and confidence, but it has one unique feature. Sorenstam unconventionally lifts her head just before she makes contact with the golf ball.
It is said that every golfer's swing mirrors his or her personality. Sorenstam is the essence of that theory.
With a demeanor as smooth and pure as her golf swing, Annika Sorenstam will become the first woman in 58 years to compete in a PGA Tour event on May 22-25 at the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.
\I'm not afraid of this at all,"" Sorenstam told the Associated Press last week. ""I have nothing to lose.""
Why should she be afraid? Sorenstam has dominated her sport and is ready for the challenge. Just last year, the 32-year-old Swede collected 13 titles worldwide, shattered the LPGA scoring mark with an average of 68.70 and broke par 60 times in 76 competitive rounds. And it doesn't end there.
In 2001, she shot a record 59 (-13) during the second round of the Standard Register PING. A few months later, she revealed that her dream was not only to birdie every hole and shoot 54 (-18), but that it was well within her reach.
The burning question is whether Sorenstam can compete at a similar level on a golf course that is 500 to 600 yards longer than most on the LPGA Tour.
""If she makes putts, she's going to surprise a lot of people,"" said UW golf coach Dennis Tiziani, who also instructs PGA Tour professional Steve Stricker.
Tiziani, who has played Colonial Country Club as a former PGA Tour member himself, said Sorenstam has a realistic chance of making the 36-hole cut if she focuses on the course and not her competitors.
""If she can do that, she'll do very well,"" Tiziani said. ""I'm sure that anybody who plays golf at any kind of level is pulling for her,"" he added.
Not only will the event garner much-needed publicity for the LPGA Tour, but it will also shine a light on the progress of women's sports.
""There's been a lot of changes [in women's sports],"" said Senior Associate Athletic Director Cheryl Marra. ""It all starts with good coaching at the lower levels and there is no doubt those changes have happened.""
Thirty years ago, Hall of Fame tennis star Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in an exhibition match dubbed ""The Battle of the Sexes."" It was a major step in changing the perception of female athletes and established a role for women's sports for the future. King endorsed Sorenstam's decision last week saying she hopes it will continue to promote interest in women's sports.
But this is an official PGA Tour event, not an exhibition match. The media attention could approach Super Bowl proportions, especially if Sorenstam stays around for the weekend. Neither the LPGA Tour nor women's sports rests on the success of the world's best female golfer. At least Sorenstam is taking advantage of the opportunity to compete at the highest level and she should be applauded for taking on the challenge.
Regardless of her finish, Sorenstam will walk away in the same cool and collective manner. Just as she plays the game and just as she swings.
With her head held high.
