Sorenstam accepts invitation to play Colonial

Annika Sorenstam has decided to tee it up against the men, accepting an invitation to play in the Colonial in May.

She would be the first woman in 58 years to compete on the PGA Tour.

"Annika's accomplishments show that she is certainly deserving," tournament chairman Dee Finley said yesterday.

No golfer has won more tournaments than Sorenstam over the last two seasons, Tiger Woods included. Last year alone, she shattered the LPGA Tour scoring record and won 13 times around the world, the most by anyone in nearly 40 years.

"All the attention and speculation is flattering, and I appreciate that the Bank of America Colonial Golf Tournament is giving me this opportunity to compete in a PGA Tour event," Sorenstam said in a statement released by the sponsor.

"There were many invitations, but the golf course and schedule of the Colonial were ideal. For all the well–wishers who want to know why I would accept such a challenge the answer is simple: I am curious to see if I can compete in a PGA Tour event."

Sorenstam's main stipulation about playing against men has been to compete on a course that does not require power off the tee. Colonial is 7,080 yards (par 70) and puts a premium on accuracy.

"I'm as curious as anybody to see how the best LPGA player of today, and possibly all time, will play against the men," Phil Mickelson said. "Colonial is a wonderful course for her to do it on."

Mickelson, a past champion at Colonial, predicted that Sorenstam would "definitely" make the cut and probably would finish 20th.

How will he do?

"I hope 19th or better," Mickelson said.

The Colonial was made famous by Ben Hogan, who won five titles on his home course, and is steeped in tradition. No course has hosted a PGA Tour event longer than Colonial.

The last time a woman played a PGA Tour event, Babe Zaharias qualified for the 1945 Los Angeles Open and made the 36–hole cut before a 79 knocked her out of the final round.

Connecticut club pro Suzy Whaley has said she will play in the Greater Hartford Open in July. She qualified by winning a PGA of America sectional tournament, even though she was allowed to hit from a shorter set of tees.

At the Colonial, May 22–25, Sorenstam would play from the same tees as the men. The course hosted the 1991 U.S. Women's Open, but Sorenstam did not play.

The Colonial has one of the smallest fields on tour – 114 to 120 players, while most events have 132 to as many as 156 players. The 32–year–old Sorenstam is getting one of the 12 sponsor exemptions for the event.

"Our course has provided a great platform to showcase the world's best players for more than 50 years, and we look forward to having a future Hall of Famer such as Annika compete at the Colonial," said Jim Thigpen, president of Colonial Country Club.