Anna Nordqvist unfairly targeted

By Neville Idour

One of the nicest professional golfers, Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, has become a victim of the rampant hypocrisy surrounding the Saudi involvement in golf.

She has been an ambassador for the lucrative five event Aramco Team Series for the last two years. It has increased the level of prizemoney for women as part of the Ladies’ European Tour and lifted the profile of women’s golf significantly.

Lydia Ko was a recent beneficiary win- ning the Saudi Ladies’ International and the largest winner’s purse to date. Sadly, Nordqvist has felt she had no option but to part ways as an ambassador after being unfairly targeted.

She has in her words received “hatred and mean comments from people.”

The ongoing negative comments and criticism affected her deeply and it all became too much for this humble low profile lady.

However, as a mark of the respect and regard she attracts, the parting was on very good terms.

Nordqvist released a statement in regard to the Aramco Team Series as follows. “I owe so much to the game of golf.

“It has given me opportunities and experiences I could never have dreamed of. I want to do everything I can to inspire others to believe they can also dream big, and to give back to the game.

“As an ambassador for the Aramco Team Series I was given the chance to be a part of creating positive impact all over the world, and show support for an initiative I believe is doing great things for women’s golf.

“But the negative comments and criticism have affected me and I hope my decision will allow me to focus on being at my best on and off the course. Aramco are fully supportive of this decision. I will always fight for women’s golf.

“This decision does not change the respect I have for what the Aramco Team Series has done for the women’s game. Their worldwide events have made a great difference to the Ladies’ European Tour.”

Aramco replied to her statement thanking her for her service saying “Anna, you are an incredible figurehead for women’s golf and we have been fortunate to work with you over the past two years.”

Thankfully, Nordqvist has still played in recent events and one can only hope

Anna Nordqvist

the haters can slink back into their sewers and allow Nordqvist to do what she wants to do without hassle.

As she said: “I will continue to chase my dreams and be the best ambassador I can be for the game of golf all over the world, playing on the LPGA and European Tours with hopes of inspiring others to chase their dreams too.”

The words of one classy lady indeed.