Sorenstam First Woman in 58 Years to Play in PGA, Augusta Passes New Protest Rules
Golf star Annika Sorenstam last Wednesday accepted an invitation to play in the PGA’s upcoming Colonial tournament—making her the first woman in 58 years to compete in the event. Sorenstam, currently the top-ranking player on the LPGA Tour, won 13 competitions worldwide last year, and two years ago she became the first woman to earn over $2 million in a single season, reported the Free Press News Service.
Sorenstam’s intention to play this May has drawn wide media attention and publicity. PGA player Phil Mickelson explained, “I’m as curious as anybody to see how the best LPGA player of today, and possibly of all time, will play against the men,” according to the Free Press. Still LPGA Tour commissioner Ty Votaw stressed, “This is Annika vs. Annika…It’s about Annika challenging herself and breaking down barriers, never stopping in her quest to improve and test her abilities.” The Colonial is a 7,080-yard, par 70 course located in Fort Worth, Texas.
Augusta Richmond county commissioners yesterday approved a new ordinance requiring protesters to obtain permits 20 days before their demonstration. In the last month, the proposed changes had come up for a vote twice—both times the commissioners voted along racial lines (5 whites in favor, 5 blacks opposing). On Tuesday, Augusta mayor Bob Young, tipped the scale, breaking the 5-5 tie to support the new ordinance.
Since June 2002, the National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO) has spearheaded efforts to open up male-only membership at Augusta National Golf Club to women.
5/20/2013 Afghan Violence Against Women Law Blocked in Parliament - On Saturday, the Speaker of the Lower House of Afghan Parliament delayed a vote on the Elimination of Violence against Women law after two hours of vociferous debate between conservative religious and more liberal members of Parliament. . . .
5/20/2013 Walmart, American Retailers Refuse to Join Bangladesh Accord - Walmart, along with 13 other major North American companies, refused to sign a legally binding agreement to improve working conditions for overseas factory workers that manufacture their clothes after a garment factory collapsed in Bangladesh killing an estimated 1300 workers, the New York Times reports.
The agreement requires retailers pay $500,000 to improve worker safety measures over a five year period. . . .
