Annika Sorenstam has agreed to play at the Colonial PGA tournament in May 2003. This makes her the first woman to play with the PGA since 1945. She has won more tournaments in the past two years than any other golfer, male or female.

Annika has wanted to compare her own skills against those of men, and chose the Colonial because of its emphasis of accuracy and skill over brute strength. She will play from the same tees as the men. Many feel that she will finish within the top 20.

The last woman to play with the PGA was Babe Zaharias in 1945. She played at the Los Angeles Open, but was knocked out of the final round.

Update: Janurary 2, 2007

Golf is one of several Men's sports that Women do not compete. Annika was playing so well during this time that it only seem possible that she could compete with the men's PGA tournaments.

Playing at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas seemed like a good tournament to give it a try. I read later in an article that she said she was so nervous that she could hardly take the club back on her first tee shot. She was so relieved when her ball sailed down the fairway in good shape. She seemed to relax some after that but she found it was hard to compete with the Professional Men golfers.

It was not until Michelle Wie of Hawaii attempted to compete with the PGA mens tournaments. This also did not prove that the Women were ready to join the men in their tournaments. Maybe someday!!

Letta Meinen/golf editor