That Golfer Has Ovaries—Love Her! (Annika has no business playing in the all-male PGA)

Cornell Review ^ | 5/25/2003 | Joseph J. Sabia

[BOOTSTICK]

Maybe the PGA can invite me to one of their events, at 375 lbs, and when I don't make the cut, I can be lauded by the "gvavatationally challenged" as a trail blazing hero as well.

[rabidralph]

Maybe the PGA can invite me to one of their events, at 375 lbs, and when I don't make the cut, I can be lauded by the "gvavatationally challenged" as a trail blazing hero as well.

Actually, you'd be regarded as just another regular guy who spends too much time sitting at his computer, complaining about others who go out and achieve something in life because they're naturally talented and they take the time to work at their craft.

[savedbygrace]

So far this year, 12 of the top 20 PGA tour players do not have a win. Last year 6 of the top 20 didn't win all year.

Are you saying she would be able to finish in the top 20 with these guys? I mean, you're comparing her to men who don't have a win on tour.

Get real. She was a circus show, nothing more. That's the ONLY reason she got a sponsor's pass to play. Follow the money, but don't take it seriously. It's only money.

[G.Mason]

"What a whiner!"

Not at all.

Read some of the other articles he has written, then you may understand where he is coming from.

Joseph J. Sabia

[Jim Noble]

Annika has no business playing in the all-male PGA

#1, the PGA is not all-male in the same way the LPGA is all-female. The PGA is open to PGs who qualify.

#2, a female golfer could, in theory, win a PGA tournament.

Why not leave the issue up to the number of strokes she takes to get the little white ball in the hole?

[LuisBasco]

Thanks for the link to Sabia.

[JonH]

The sponsors put up $3.9 to $5.0 million and also buy TV time. Who will be the one to say no exemptions?

[Frapster]

Oh please, let me ask you this: what percentage of women do you think actually have a chance at winning against the top male pros in the PGA?

[writmeister]

I hate to break it to you but sponsor's exemptions are only about money -- that is, gate receipts. Sponsor's exemptions are given to players who have not otherwise qualified for a tournament, but who the sponsors believe will increase attendance at the tournament due to their local connection or some other unique quality. This Annika did.

The only requirement for an exemption is that the golfer hold a 2 handicap.

As for the tees -- Annika played from the men's tees.

[marbren]

Women are members of the PGA. They are not in the PGA Tour.

[Jim Noble]

Oh please, let me ask you this: what percentage of women do you think actually have a chance at winning against the top male pros in the PGA?

Oh, please, let me ask you this: either top-drawer women golfers can compete, or they can't. That being so, why do you care if it's proven on the course, rather than on an internet forum?

[ThanhPhero]

If the feminists manage to force a true elimination of distinctions in sport, an official and legal total real integration of sport with no discrimination based on sex , women will disappear from professional sports almost completely and will be sent to the margins in college and high school sports.

[Pure Country]

Get real. She was a circus show, nothing more. That's the ONLY reason she got a sponsor's pass to play. Follow the money, but don't take it seriously. It's only money.

Isn't that what the sport scene is all about? So why pick on this one woman? She played hard under more duress than anyone out there....Had a good showing and has nothing to be ashamed of. Look at it this way...she has has a good story to tell her grandkids!

[Frapster]

lol - because it's proven on the course all the time. Do an apples to apples comparison of the stats produced by men and women in their respective leagues and you will see that women cannot compete with the men.

[HamiltonJay]

The PGA is NOT, repeat, NOT a mens tour! The PGA has not now, nor never had a gender requirement for play! In fact a woman played on the tour in the 40s.... If you want to vent, at least get your facts straight.

[HamiltonJay]

hahaha... tell ya what get your clubs and take a round with Annika, we'll see how men and women compete.

[DouglasKC]

The PGA is NOT, repeat, NOT a mens tour! The PGA has not now, nor never had a gender requirement for play! In fact a woman played on the tour in the 40s.... If you want to vent, at least get your facts straight.

What I don't understand is why it's okay for the LPGA to be a womens tour, but it's not okay for the PGA to be mens tour. For example, I'm a crappy golfer, but if I practiced enough I'm sure I could do well enough to beat some women on the LPGA and make some money...why don't I have the same opportunity?

[HamiltonJay]

Shoot a consistent 2 handicap or better on PGA regulation courses, and you could be invited.

[HamiltonJay]

Because he's sewn his scrotum to the idea that Men Golf Players are the epitomy of masculinity..... Which is quite amusing, since its probably one of the lowest examples of physical ability of all the professional sports. Walk 18 holes and swing a club 70-75 times a day... you gotta be a REAL MAN to handle that.