Did Annika Have It Easy?
Hello. Something crossed my mind while writing yesterday's column. Did Annika Sorenstam have it easy when she was winning her titles earlier this decade? Was she facing an inferior field? Or was she just that much better than a great field?
I believe people have concluded Annika was a superior golfer. I wouldn't argue that for a minute. And she's taken golf fitness to the same levels Tiger has. I'm sure that gave her a huge advantage.
But how was her competition from 2000 to 2005? Se Ri Pak and Karrie Webb, both worthy Hall of Famers, were stellar entering the decade, but tapered off during that period. Many of the top American ladies (Pat Hurst, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon, Rosie Jones, Dottie Pepper, Beth Daniel) were all hitting 40 at that time. Laura Davies and Liselotte Neumann were past their prime.
So who was there to challenge Annika? Not a lot.
Does this mean Annika's achievements were any less worthy? If you listen to the "Grumpy Old Men" (Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, etc) downplaying Tiger's lack of competition, then maybe.
Regards,
Steve
I believe people have concluded Annika was a superior golfer. I wouldn't argue that for a minute. And she's taken golf fitness to the same levels Tiger has. I'm sure that gave her a huge advantage.
But how was her competition from 2000 to 2005? Se Ri Pak and Karrie Webb, both worthy Hall of Famers, were stellar entering the decade, but tapered off during that period. Many of the top American ladies (Pat Hurst, Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon, Rosie Jones, Dottie Pepper, Beth Daniel) were all hitting 40 at that time. Laura Davies and Liselotte Neumann were past their prime.
So who was there to challenge Annika? Not a lot.
Does this mean Annika's achievements were any less worthy? If you listen to the "Grumpy Old Men" (Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, etc) downplaying Tiger's lack of competition, then maybe.
Regards,
Steve
posted by Irrelevant at 5:46 AM
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