Volume I No. 78
 05-24-03
 Class Instead Of Brass
 { Annika Sorenstam's Triumph At Colonial } 
 author: Vance Cureton
 © Copyright 2003

 Her tournament is over.

 Annika Sorenstam did not make the cut at the Colonial
 Invitational. But, it was nevertheless an emotional triumph
 for one brave young woman and for all fans of professional
 golf who can embrace change with a smile instead of a
 sneer.

 Make no mistake about it. Professional golf has been changed 
 forever. Annika's scores of 71 and 74 may have been ordinary. 
 But, her performance was far more impressive than many golf 
 experts had dared speculate was possible. Annika proved 
 that women can compete with men on the links. Given the
 right set of circumstances.

 Annika's success only places a spotlight on the caustic
 attitudes that were on display in the days and weeks leading
 up to her participation in the Colonial tournament. Several
 members of the men's tour were downright primeval in their
 denunciation of her invitation to Colonial. She was disparged 
 for engaging in a "publicity stunt," and for a taking a spot 
 away from a more deserving male golfer.

 Whooo boy!

 Those who disagree with Annika's participation at Colonial 
 certainly have the right to voice their opinion. And there 
 were legitimate points to be made on the "No to Annika" side 
 of the equation. But the severity and personal tone of their 
 remarks only points to some hidden insecurity. A discomfort 
 with the notion that here is yet another cultural barrier come 
 crashing down and the world has somehow changed for the 
 worse.

 Always in cultural disputes such as these. { And this is really
 about the ages old battle between the sexes. } The question
 concerns power. About sharing power. Or about refusing to 
 share that power. For the PGA Tour is the more lucrative tour. 
 And the better tour. The tour where the real money is. Male 
 professional golfers take pride in that. As they should. But 
 before Annika arrived the PGA Tour was touted as the tour 
 for the best professional golfers  -- Period. 

 There was never an official ban against women participating.
 Now some male members on the tour { and a significant segment
 of the public at large } want the PGA to be exclusively "For 
 Men Only."

 The jury is still out. And to be fair there really isn't a right
 or wrong answer. This is clearly a social issue. And the end 
 result will depend upon what the PGA Tour ultimately decides 
 to do. Will the best women golfers on the LPGA Tour be 
 routinely invited to participate in some PGA events? Or will 
 these same women be encouraged to simply go out and try 
 to qualify for tournament events? -- Just as men on the PGA
 tour must do.

 Obviously, that decision is for some future day.

 But, in these moments when there is great political and social 
 pressure to bring down a barrier, it is remarkable as to how 
 some individuals will respond to the question of women on the
 PGA tour, in a manner that is classy and dignified. Their public
 remarks will be measured and thoughtful. No matter whether 
 their actual opinion is YAY or NAY. While others will respond 
 in a manner that is callous, crass, and disparaging.

 Some might even call it the fear response. "What will they
 want next!"

 No matter.

 This week the world of professional golf  has changed. -- For 
 the better. Annika's two days at the Colonial Invitational will 
 not be forgotten. Unfortunately, the complete lack of class that 
 some PGA Tour members displayed - even before Annika struck 
 a single ball off the tee - will also remain a significant part of 
 that memory.
 

 ReadingPost.Com
 © Copyright 2003

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