Suzann Pettersen, who won the putt at the Solheim Cup 2019, praised the progress that has been made in women’s golf in recent years. The Norwegian has also added the triple-approved ISPS Handa World Invitational to this year’s golf calendar
Last updated: 7/21/21 6:56 PM
Suzann Pettersen celebrates after winning the putt at the Solheim Cup 2019
Solheim Cup star Suzann Pettersen believes that women’s golf has made tremendous progress in recent years and is well positioned to continue to grow.
The 39-year-old Norwegian, who announced her resignation after winning the putt for Europe at the 2019 Solheim Cup, praised the way the LPGA Tour has expanded under Mike Whan’s 11-year stint as commissioner.
The women’s game has changed over the past decade with increases in the total prize pool and the addition of a variety of new tournaments to the schedule.
ICYMI: The schedule for the LPGA tour 2021 is here! 📆
2021 features 34 official events around the world, with two new events added to the tournament calendar and players competing for a record $ 76.45 million in official wallets. ⛳️
FULL SCHEDULE ⬇️ https://t.co/RLbYMNVsEj
– LPGA (@LPGA) December 19, 2020
“We have come a long way,” 15-time LPGA Tour winner Pettersen told Sky Sports News. “If you look at the LPGA over the past 10 years, a lot of hard work has been done. Every organization needs great leadership – you can have a great product, but if you don’t have the right people running it, you literally can.” lose it.
“At LPGA we were very fortunate to have a great guide in Mike Whan and his team, and they did this tremendous job of creating gaming opportunities, playing in the best seats, getting more money, more notoriety, and more live -TV played. “
Nelly Korda (pictured) and sister Jessica Korda won the first two events of the 2021 LPGA Tour season
“So the bigger picture of women’s golf in general has grown tremendously. We want to keep growing because we have something that people want. We’re also approachable so it’s fun. Now that I’m out, see more of how it gets noticed so i really enjoy it and women golf has everything to gain.
“It’s also now fun to see the Ladies European Tour working more closely with the LPGA rather than fighting each other. It’s better if you ride the same boat to help each other. So it’s going to be fun, the fruits.” to see this relationship as it is. ” grows in the next few years. “
Suzann Pettersen helped Europe to a 14.5-13.5 win at Gleneagles
Pettersen also welcomed the addition of the ISPS Handa World Invitational to this year’s golf calendar, an event triple sanctioned between the European Tour, the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour. It will take place in Northern Ireland from July 28th to August 1st, with men and women competing together for the same prize money on the same two courses.
“It is time,” said Pettersen. “There is a difference between men’s and women’s sports, certain sports have fought harder for equality than others. It’s a big step in the right direction, someone has to take the lead and try to show that this is something we are committed to believe and what we believe in. ” So we think it should be.
“That doesn’t mean everyone is behind it, but someone has to lead by example and hopefully this is one of many to come.
Niall Horan’s golf management company Modest! Golf, are heavily involved in the new event
“I think tennis has done a great job in this area where women have been fighting for their own rights, saying, ‘We don’t do less work, why should we be paid less than men?’
“These are the questions that society is facing today. You see more women CEOs, more women in top positions doing very good and important jobs. So that’s just another aspect.”
Pettersen is looking forward to the event, which will be attended by 144 men and 144 women, and which was first presented in 2019.
“There are a lot of regular 72-hole stroke play events but I think it’s a great concept for getting some excitement, mixing it up, changing routines and watching golf on TV,” she said.
“I think it’s going to be fun, fun for people to see, fun for players, they can band together and be in the same place. Golf is one of the greatest sports in the world, but it’s a very small world, and it would. ” Be nice to connect this tiny world a little more and show how great it could be together. “
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