Quote:
Originally posted by spookyfish
What makes you think Annika doesn't fall into this category? I don't know a whole lot about her, but she doesn't strike me as a crusader type.
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Late to the conversation, but a subject (golf) that is dear to my heart. Someone already pointed out that Annika's average drive is 275.4 yards, a figure that would place her 158th on the PGA tour, between Shigeki Maruyama (a two-time PGA Tour winner, but who has nine international victories) and Robert Damron ( a relative newcomer with one PGA victory). However, Annika hits 76.5% of her greens in regulations, a figure that would make her No. 1 on the men's tour (Tiger, e.g. hits 68.3% of greens in regulation).
Admittedly, her high greens in regulation percentage is partially due to the way LPGA courses are set up vis-a-vis PGA courses, but not entirely. She is an incredibly accurate iron player, and has so outclassed the LPGA (winning 11 times last year and earning $1,141,623 more than the No. 2 player on the LPGA) that I can't blame her for wanting to see how she compares.
Thurgreed is right that she will be at a physical disadvantage to some of the men, but I don't think it will be a blowout like the tennis exhibitions. I think she is good enough to, over time, be a good, middle of the road, player on the men's tour, compensating for lack of size and strength with talent and ability, a la Corey Pavin. I agree with Tiger, however, that she should be given more than one opportunity to see how she can do because this first one will be a media circus and there will be a lot of pressure on her to perform.
Further, I don't think she owes any more of a duty to women's golf than Tiger owes a duty to fight all discrimination in golf (i.e. to not play the Masters). If she can compete, bully for her. As for not qualifying, that's a fucking red herring. Good young or international players get sponsor's exemptions all the time. It's not taking away a spot from anyone other than a really marginal male player and that is what sponsor's exemptions are for - the sponsor, not the Tour.
I hope she does well, and I predict (and am willing to bet) she makes the cut. I also hope Vijay hears it from the fans. He was an ass with his original comments and his apology was bullshit. Either stand by your statements or don't make them.
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