The Tour moves to Virginia next week to the Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC. It got us thinking about the history of the event and the first year of the tournament in 2003. Here’s a look back at the year that was and what happened this week in history in May 2003.
Grace Park wins the Inaugural Kingsmill Championship
In 2003, Grace Park won the first playing of the Kingsmill Championship by one stroke at 9-under par, one ahead of an impressive group including Cristie Kerr, Lorena Ochoa and Karrie Webb. It was the fourth victory for Park who said after the final round that some self-talk during the round was her key to victory. “Softly I said believe in yourself, believe in yourself, starting the round. I'm just telling myself to be confident and rip it.”
Rip it she did.
Annika Makes Headlines on LPGA and PGA Tours
In addition to winning six times, topping the money list and being named Rolex Player of the Year on the LPGA Tour, Annika Sorenstam made even bigger waves in 2003 by teeing it up on the PGA Tour. In a controversial move, Sorenstam teed it up in the then titled Bank of America Colonial, making history as the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event since Babe Zaharias in 1945. Sorenstam missed the cut after shooting opening rounds of 71 – 74. “I'm very fortunate in what I do,” Sorenstam said that week. “I love to play golf, I love to compete. And this particular week it's a historic week. And I feel very fortunate to be here and to be part of it.”
Lorena Ochoa Named Rookie of the Year
In her first year on tour, Lorena Ochoa posted five top-5 finishes, including a third place finish at the then titled Kraft Nabisco Championship.
Se Ri Pak Makes History
A three-time winner on the LPGA Tour in 2003, Se Ri Pak made history as the first Asian player to win the Vare Trophy with the lowest scoring average. Pak, like Sorenstam, teed it up in a men’s event on the Korean Tour and finished 10th in the SBS Super Tournament, becoming the first woman to make the 36-hole cut in a men’s event since Babe Zaharias in 1945.
It's a Tie
On the PGA Tour, the 2003 Presidents Cup in South Africa ended in darkness and a tie with captains Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player deciding to share the cup.
In other news…Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected Governor of California, Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson debuted in their popular reality show "Newlyweds," and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was number one at the box office.
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