Annika Sörenstam Named President of the International Golf Federation

Now in retirement, this superstar is once again making headlines as the newly appointed President of the International Golf Federation (IGF). Her advocacy throughout her career to increase the opportunities for women to play golf, as well as to make golf an Olympic sport, were leading qualities in the IGF's considerations for appointing Sörenstam as the organization's next President. Golf will once again be a part of the 2020, Tokyo Olympics, after making it's return to the Games in 2016. It is no question that the push for the IOC to maintain the game as an Olympic sport was top of Annika Sörenstam's agenda.

Our Take...

Sörenstam has been a firm believer that creating a more welcoming environment in recreational levels of golf will open the opportunity for participation to everyone. This is a sport that holds it's "history" dear. An alarming history, that see's one of it's most prized courses, Augusta National, not admit it's first Black member until 1990, and didn't offer memberships to woman until 2012. Remember that the next time you are watching the infamous Maters Tournament, hosted yearly at this course.

The game of golf is in dire need of remodelling. The PGA and golf federations alike have slowly begun to identify the issues in their structures and for the first time, publicly acknowledge it's dark past. Sörenstam has been on the record stating that the game needs to address it's barriers. From course dress-codes, to membership applications, to equal facilities for all genders at clubhouses, she has made it clear that it is time for change. We hope that with a progressive leader such as Sörenstam at the helm of the IGF, the game of golf will become a more diverse and welcoming sport for everyone to enjoy.

~ WPS