Sorenstam Strikes a Blow - 71 Times

Annika Sorenstam struck a blow for women's golf and women's sport in general yesterday at the Colonial Golf Club in Texas; 71 blows, in fact.

In the first appearance by a woman golfer at a top-flight men's professional tournament for 58 years, the 32-year-old defied predictions that she would embarrass herself when she shot a one-over-par 71 in the first round of the US PGA's Colonial Tournament.

"I'm absolutely delighted. I was so nervous on the first tee that I thought I might not be able to make a swing," she said afterwards. "I learned so much from the pressure, from the crowds and from the guys that I played with. It was a wonderful day though I am very glad it is now over."

The Swedish golfer, who has won 44 times on the US women's tour, leads a number of illustrious names from the men's PGA Tour, including Stuart Appleby, Peter Jacobsen and Steve Elkington, a former major tournament winner. She also beat one of her playing partners Aaron Barber by one shot and scored the same as the other, Dean Wilson.

Sorenstam was quick to pay tribute to both afterwards. "They were so kind to me, so generous, that I don't know if I would have been able to make it through the round without them."

Her total left her in 74th place in the early scoring but in with a decent chance of making the 36-hole cut after today's second round, which is predicted to fall at level par.

More than 600 journalists had applied to attend the tournament, while tickets sold out months ago. Indeed, the galleries were 10-deep when Sorenstam stepped on the 10th tee (her first hole). Additional pressure came from knowledge that her every move was to be broadcast live on US television. Nevertheless, the world's best female golfer responded with a sweet four-wood shot straight down the middle of the fairway.

It was the first magnificent shot of 71.