When Annika Sorenstam Shocked Golf — and Vijay Singh Threatened to Withdraw

Before it was common to see women competing in men's golf events, there was Annika Sorenstam at the Colonial. And not everyone was happy about it.

Twenty years before the LPGA stars of today were invited to PGA Tour events, Sorenstam's historic invitation to the 2003 Colonial sparked a controversy that's now being revisited. At the center of it? Vijay Singh, who reportedly threatened to withdraw from the tournament in protest.

What Happened

Sorenstam, at the peak of her powers as the dominant force in women's golf, accepted a sponsor's exemption to play in the PGA Tour's Colonial tournament. It was a landmark moment — the first woman to play a PGA Tour event since 1945.

Not everyone welcomed the idea. Singh, a multiple major champion, was reportedly furious. According to accounts that have resurfaced, Singh said he would withdraw if Sorenstam teed off, claiming the exemption took a spot from a deserving male pro. He later softened his stance, but the tension was real.

The Legacy

Looking back, the controversy feels dated. Sorenstam proved she belonged — she shot rounds of 71 and 74, missing the cut but earning the respect of fans and players alike. Today, LPGA stars regularly receive and accept PGA Tour exemptions without the same vitriol.

Singh later expressed regret over how he handled the situation. Time has a way of putting things in perspective. Sorenstam's appearance at the Colonial wasn't a publicity stunt — it was a watershed moment for golf, and anyone who couldn't see that was on the wrong side of history.

It took courage for Annika to step onto that tee box. And it took the golf world a while to catch up. 🏌️‍♀️⛳