Annika confirmed to play 2004 ANZ Ladies Masters
IN: News | ALPG | ANZ Ladies Masters (2004) | General | 18 Sep 2003
World No. 1 Annika Sorenstam will play in the ANZ Ladies Masters at the Royal Pines Resort on Queensland's Gold Coast from 26 - 29 February 2004.
The winner of Australia's premier event in women's golf in 1995 and 2002 will bring an even higher level interest and excitement to the 15th ANZ Ladies Masters which will also feature four-times winner Karrie Webb and defending champion Laura Davies.
Highlights of 2003 so far include four victories, most recently at the British Open in July which gave her a career Grand Slam; becoming the first woman in history to break the $US 9 million barrier in prizemoney on the US LPGA Tour; and playing against the men in a PGA Tour event.
"It is great to have Annika in the field," said Tournament Director Bob Tuohy. "She likes coming to Australia and has happy memories of her first victory as a professional here in 1994. She has been a strong supporter of the tournament and I think the fans will make the most of the only opportunity they will have to see her in action in this part of the world in 2004."
Sorenstam has an impressive record in the ANZ Ladies Masters, finishing eighth at her first attempt in 1993, fourth the following year, winning in 1995, running second behind Webb in 1998 and winning again in 2002. The 2002 title was decided only after four holes of a sudden death play-off with Webb who was trying to become the first player - man or woman - to win the same Tour event five years in a row.
ANZ has welcomed the return of Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb and Laura Davies to the 2004 ANZ Ladies Masters. "These elite players continue to create golfing history and their involvement in the ANZ Ladies Masters reinforces the strength and interest in women's golf in Australia', said Amanda Duggan, ANZ, Head of Brand and Sponsorship.
ANZ's involvement in women's golf stems from our commitment to diversity and the encouragement of talent, both on the sports field and in the workplace.
In welcoming the first and only woman player with a round of 59 to her credit back to Queensland, Premier Peter Beattie said the southern hemisphere's richest women's golf event would attract significant attention to Queensland.
"This is one of the world's most watched women's golf tournaments televised in 46 countries to an estimated audience of in excess of 100 million viewers which is an excellent opportunity to showcase Queensland."
Australian Ladies Professional Golf General Manager, Warren Sevil said the co-sanction partners were very proud to again be presenting a quality field for this most popular event. "The ANZ Ladies Masters has built a reputation which guarantees a world class field year in and year out. The best players from all Tours strive to earn a place in the Masters field on the beautiful Gold Coast. ALPG & LET are very grateful to ANZ and the Queensland Government whose continued support allows us to boast such a prestigious event."
The 2004 ANZ Ladies Masters will be telecast on Network Ten on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th February for 5 hours each day in Australia.
