Golfer another Annika among men

June Casagrande

As the only woman competing in the Best Western People vs. the Pros

tournament, amateur Kay Ziplow can’t help but invoke Annika

Sorenstam’s name.

The thing they seem to have most in common is that they are

rarities in their own corners of the male golfing world who don’t

particularly want to be seen as rarities. They just want to play

golf.

“Though it’s a different situation and we’re certainly not in the

same grouping, what’s she’s focused on is playing the game and doing

her best, and that’s what I’m focused on, too,” Ziplow said.

The Corona del Mar resident, who also owns a home in Las Vegas, is

one of about 100 players in the under-49 age category of in the Best

Western People vs. the Pros at Lake Las Vegas, which culminates June

2 when the winner from the 49-and-younger category will compete

against pro John Daly and the age 49-plus winner will compete against

U.S. Open and PGA Championship winner Lee Trevino.

“It doesn’t matter if I win,” said Ziplow, who declined to give

her age. “What’s important is to participate, to make something of

yourself, and hopefully have some fun while you’re doing it, because

if you’re not going to have fun, you might as well not do it at all.”

Though winners could take home $100,000, that would mean giving up

amateur status -- not something Ziplow’s willing to do.

“If I won, I’d definitely donate it to the John Daly and Lee

Trevino’s charity,” Ziplow said.

Ziplow discovered golfing after back injuries ended her ambitions

to play professional tennis. She started caddying for husband Todd

Ziplow, who’s also competing in the tournament, and became

comfortable being the only woman on the golf course.

Her experience in the sport prompted a publisher’s representative

to approach her to put together a book of interviews with the wives

of pro golfers. “Life with a Swinger” will come next year, Ziplow

said.

“This book is a celebration of the passion of the golfer and the

women who are the 15th club,” Ziplow said. Pro golfers can only carry

14 clubs on the green, and their wives play an important role that

qualifies them to right there on the green with them, she said.

“They’re the most valuable club in the players’ bags,” Ziplow

said.