If Annika is 'the one,' she hasn't convinced everybody

dwilson

I went to see "The Matrix: Reloaded" this weekend, apparently like every other person in the Cape Girardeau area. It made me think about golf.

Few people actually believe Annika Sorenstam is "the one." Sorenstam is not the Christ-like savior sent to deliver women's golf, a la Neo in "The Matrix." Annika is not playing for the advancement of women's golf this week, although she is representing it, and she's playing for the advancement of her career.

This isn't about shattering the old acronym adage of GOLF (Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden). This isn't a social issue at all. If it was, you can bet Martha Burk would be in the background of every picture that appeared in the papers during the past three weeks.

Vijay Singh and Nick Price's comments showed that the PGA is still a long way off from allowing women golfers to compete on a regular basis. And regardless of what one might think of their opinion, they do have a right to it because, after all, it is their tour.

Sorenstam, a five-time LPGA Player of the Year, has 43 career victories, including 11 in 2002. Tiger Woods had five victories in 2002. Yet Sorenstam has received significantly less attention and publicity for obvious reasons. One, because no one throws a U.S. Women's Open party complete with an office pool. Two, see reason No. 1.

"I know I can play," Sorenstam said recently.

Great.

Here's your chance. Now go prove it to everyone else.

Today

The first 30,000 fans will receive a "quality, silver-plated" money clip from Bank of America when they enter Busch Stadium with a paid admission. The Cardinals might think about saving that "quality" money clip and melting them all together to buy better relief pitchers. Just a thought. Cards host Cubs at 12:10 p.m. Oh, by the way, it's the final Cardinals home game before a six-game road trip.

Wednesday

The first round of the Ohio Valley Conference baseball tournament begins in Paducah, Ky. If you don't see the significance in the first round of the double-elimination tournament, start up the way-back machine to last year. Southeast Missouri State University was nearly beaten by underdog Morehead State in the first round, but Southeast rallied from a 5-0 deficit to win 9-6. Tristen McDonald said afterward, "The first game is always the hardest." Today's game: 11 a.m.

Friday

The Memphis Redbirds will host the Albuquerque Isotopes (there's that name again) at 7:05 p.m. Before the game, Challenger the eagle will fly over the stadium during the national anthem. What's more, it's the start of an eight-game home stand for the Redbirds. It's also your first chance to see Craig Paquette again; Paquette was signed as a free agent over the weekend. Paquette spent three years as a utility man in "The Show" with the Cardinals.

Saturday

Looking for an outlaw to spice up your Memorial Day weekend? Look no further: NCRA outlaw sprints are back for a program at Auto Tire and Parts Racepark near Benton, Mo. Save $3 when you purchase your tickets early at Auto Tire and Parts stores in the area. Tickets will be $15 the day of the race.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High School.