Annika at Merion

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

I have just got off the phone with Scott Nye the superb head professional at Merion, who has graciously allowed me to quote him on his experience last week.

Obviously he said what a great experience to be able to play with the best female player in the world, but his comments on her overall personality were most complimenatry.
He said she is remarkably modest, immensley kind and well mannered, showed upmost respect for the course and it's history...dispalyed a fine sense of humour, and was as pleasant as a person could possibly be.

From a playing standpoint, her swing was even more impressive in person, and that her game shows the ultimate in effieciency and reliablilty.

He could not stress what a wonderful experience it was to be in her company for the round, and thatbhe could never have imagined anybody being as gracious as she was.
A fine series of statements on the world's number one.

[John Kirk]

That is certainly the impression I get.  A really beautiful person.

In many ways she reminds me of Martina Navratilova, who, at the top of her game, was always gracious, honest, and humble.  One of my favorite sports personalities.

I know this is about Annika.  This is what I thought reading Michael's comments.

[PThomas]

good to hear about Annika...she has been my favorite golfer to watch for the last three years or so...I root for her like I used to root for Jack back when I was 15

I wonder what she must do to get on the cover of Sports Illustrated...I don't ever remember her being on it...wasn't on this one, and who do they have a 2-page picture of?  Wie, with a tiny one of Annika inserted in it.....yeesh!

I thought for sure she would have been there Sportswoman of the year when she played in the Colonial, but no again...

I took my daughters out to the practice round of the Chicago LPGA tournament last year, hoping to get her picture with them, but she did not show while we were there

[John Keenan]

I must say that the comments on Annika in no way suprise me. She is a class act in every way and has been as long as she has been out on tour.

It is sad that acting as she does is reason for notice.

Good Luck Annika and get the slam!!

[Doug Wright]

One of my biggest regrets is passing up an invite to play a round of golf with Annika many years ago in the early 1990s when she was a student at ASU visiting a mutual acquaintance in Colorado. What, I had something better to do??

[PThomas]

ouch!  we all have regrets, Doug....

[Rick Shefchik]

I wonder what she must do to get on the cover of Sports Illustrated...I don't ever remember her being on it...wasn't on this one, and who do they have a 2-page picture of?  Wie, with a tiny one of Annika inserted in it.....yeesh!

I thought for sure she would have been there Sportswoman of the year when she played in the Colonial, but no again...

Paul --

I think you might find out this week. If Annika wins the Women's Open, her run at the Grand Slam will become the biggest story in sports this summer.