Join the Discussion Post your own thoughts on the Golf Forum.

Related Resources • Annika at Colonial Homepage • Defending Sorenstam's Participation • More Annika Sorenstam Resources

The first Associated Press story to appear following Friday's (May 23, 2003) second round of the PGA Tour Bank of America Colonial contained these words:

"No one knew how she would fare against the best players in the world, on a 7,080-yard course that was longer and tougher than anything she has played.

"By the end of her remarkable two days, no one cared."

"She," of course, is Annika Sorenstam, and her two days in Fort Worth really were remarkable. They were remarkable for her display of talent and for the crowds' displays of affection.

Just as the days leading up to Sorenstam's appearance were remarkable for unfortunate displays of poor sportsmanship, so, too, might be the coming days. "No one cared" is how it should be, but it may not be how it is.

Some members of the PGA Tour Policy Board have said that the membership of the Tour - that would be its players - favor adding a rule prohibiting the participation of women.

That would be very unfortunate, indeed. Because such a rule isn't needed - as Sorenstam told the AP following Friday's round, "It was a great week but I've got to go back to my tour, where I belong. I'm glad I did it, but this is way over my head" - and because to go ahead and pass such a rule would demonstrate a remarkable lack of common sense and good sportsmanship.

Sorenstam's appearance at the Colonial has been nothing but fantastic for all involved - for Sorenstam, for the Colonial, for the PGA Tour, for the LPGA Tour and for golf itself. Anyone who can't see that, now, is simply unwilling to see it.

Playing under pressure that most PGA Tour players will never come close to experiencing, Sorenstam was the picture of grace under pressure. She showed poise, dignity, class and sportsmanship - qualities that were completely missing in those critics who chose to pop off rather than offer thoughtful analysis.

She also displayed her incredible skills as a golfer. Her accuracy off the tee and with her long irons is the envy of every golfer, male or female. As is her course management. Unfortunately, her shortcomings on the course were also on display - she simply could not make a putt on Day 1, when she might have gone as low as 66 or 67.

By Day 2, when her putting had smoothed out, nerves were finally getting to her off the tee.

Still, it was a great two days for golf. Two days that should elevate Sorenstam to the superstar status she deserves, and two days that should bring legions of new fans to the game.

More on Annika at the Colonial