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| All Images: Lars Trangius |
Some of the Ladies' European Tour's finest players took part in a photo shoot at Barsebäck G&CC during the 2005 Scandianvian TPC hosted by Annika.
Seven professionals: Iben Tinning, Diana Luna, Cecilia Ekelundh, Marta Prieto, Anja Monke, Helen Alfredsson and Linda Wessberg; participated in the photo shoot with a New Years Eve theme for the December issue of Sweden's Red Tee magazine.
The Red Tee editorial team met some of the most interesting women on the LET... but you have never seen them like this before. To check out the article in either Swedish or English simply read on... and see some stunning shots of the Tour's most glamorous and talented players away from the course.
English Translation from the December issue of Swedish Red Tee Magazine:
The History of Women's Professional Golf
Women have competed in golf for many years. The first ever recorded female event took place in 1895 at Meadow Crook Club in New York. The competitors did not use their own names, but the first known winner was “ Charlie Brown’s wife” and she won with 132 shots.
The first professional women's event was in 1945 but there was no professional tour until the LPGA was founded. The first event was played in 1950 with 11 professionals playing in nine different events throughout the year. The players did everything themselves; from the course preparation to organising the prize giving presentation.
It is different today. There are many different tours around the world, and you can play on whichever tour you like if you manage to qualify. Most of the Swedish professionals play on the LET and the LPGA. You can play on both tours as long as you follow the regulations and criteria. Annika Sörenstam, Helen Alfredsson and Carin Koch make sure they play at least five events on the LET to keep their player’s exemption. Both the LET and LPGA Tours have events on several different continents.
There are over 30 different nationalities on the LET. Once you have qualified to play on the LET you have to play well to keep your playing exemption category. To keep full playing privileges, you have to finish in the top 90 on the New Star Money List or win an event. To win an event you have to play on average 11,3 under par for the tournament and the margins are very small but the prize money differs a lot between the first and second position.
Cecilia Ekelundh played magnificently in 2005 and was invited to play in an event in Korea. Natalie Gulbis, who plays on the LPGA, was invited to Barsebäck G&CC to play the Scandinavian TPC hosted by Annika.
Red Tee have met some of the most interesting women on the LET. You have never seen them like this before.
Player Interviews
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| Italian Diana Luna |
Diana Luna
(has recorded two hole-in-ones and one tournament victory as a professional)
What advice do you give to other golfers?
Do not get mad and lose your temper. Enjoy golf and have patience.
Why did you start to play golf?
My family played golf every Sunday. When I was 12 I joined them for the fun of it. I really enjoyed it.
How is it to work with your hobby?
I try to divide golf and my life and spend time with my other hobbies when I am not playing golf. I love to cook for my friends and I also read a lot of books and do other sports such as tennis, volleyball and fitness.
What is your dream vacation?
I like white beaches, palms and the ocean. There is no golf on my vacation.
What do you wish for Christmas?
I would like harmony. It is more important to be happy and to be with my family than material things.
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| Denmark's Iben Tinning |
Iben Tinning
(was pregnant when she hit her low record score of 65 shots at the Nykredit Masters and she also won the LET Order-of-Merit 2005)
How much do you practice?
I play 5-6 times a week. Golf is a fun job.
When was the first time you hold a golf club?
When I was three years old. We have five professionals in my family.
What is your best practice advice?
Think about where the ball is located and the grass. Do not use whatever club, use the right club. Work with course management.
What is your dream vacation?
I travel a lot so the best vacation is to be at home and take a long walk in the forest with my dog.
What is the best golf course you played?
Cypress Hill in Florida.
What do you wish for Christmas?
I like jewellery and I would like a small horse. I am waiting for a vacant spot next to my friend’s horse.
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| Helen Alfredsson |
Helen Alfredsson
(has played in seven Solheim Cup events and averages 4,17 birdies per round)
What is an absolute must in the golf bag?
Good rain gear.
What is your best practice advise?
Aim correctly and use a good grip.
When did you start to play golf?
I was 11 years old when I got my first seven iron. It was a used Patty Berg club. It was different then because you played golf in the summer and winter sports in the winter.
What are you reading right now?
Tuesday Memories
What is the best golf course you played?
Wingfoot in New York and Rabenstein in Bryssel. I like old golf courses with a soul and where you remember every hole.
What is your new year’s resolution?
For six years ago I promised myself not to promise too many things. It has been my New Year’s resolution since then.
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| Anja Monke |
Anja Monke
(to be lucky, stay healthy, enjoy life and meet friends is the only thing she wished for Christmas)
Why did you start to play golf?
I started to play tennis but I followed my parents when they played golf and one day I really enjoyed it so I continued to practice.
What is your best practice advice?
Practice your short game. A lot of amateurs practice with the wedge but it is important to practice your putting and chipping.
How is your life outside the golf course?
I read a lot and I enjoy listening to music. I often go to the cinema but more preferable in Germany because then I understand what they say.
What is your favourite course?
Fontana, Austria. It is located outside Vienna and it is beautiful.
What is your dream vacation?
The Maldives is my dream vacation but as long as the sky is blue, the sun is shining and there is a beach then I am happy. The most
important is that I do not want to bring my golf clubs.
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| Cecilia Ekelundh |
Cecilia Ekelundh
(she made 241 birdies on the LET 2005 season)
Why did you start to play golf?
I was ten years old and forced to play and I did not like it at all. I do not regret that I started.
What is your best practice advice?
Work with your tempo.
What do you do on your spare time?
I enjoy reading criminal books. The more murder and mystery the better.
How is a perfect Saturday?
A nice dinner with my fiancée and a relaxing time Infront of the TV or the open fire.
What is your favourite club?
My lobb wedge.
What is your favourite course?
Alpine GC in Bangkok. It beats everything.
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| Linda Wessberg |
Linda Wessberg
(be stubborn and do not give up is my best advise. A lot of people compare Linda’s swing and tempo with Annika)
Why did you start to play golf?
I was eight or nine years old and my parents brought me to the junior activities at my club. I often play with my family and I play matches against my uncle.
How is your life outside the golf course?
I like all kinds of sport and I play a lot of football and ice hockey. I enjoy spending time with my friends and we go shopping a lot. On a perfect Saturday I am either at home with my boyfriend and a bag of chips or I am partying with my friends.
What is your dream vacation?
To find a place where you can both sun bath, swim and ski.
Who is your dream caddie?
Bono in U2
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| Marta Prieto |
Marta Prieto
(golf is not only her job she also plays a lot of golf in her spare time because it is her biggest hobby).
Who taught you to play golf?
It was a teacher at my club. I started playing the same year as my father, I was eight years old.
What is your best practice advice?
It is about quality and not quantity. Also focus when you are on the driving range.
What is your dream vacation?
A long, white beach in the Caribbean.
Who is your dream caddie?
Miguel Angel Jimenez.
What do you wish for Christmas?
I have a friend who is very sick. The only thing that is important right now is that she is well.
