Yani Gets an Invite

Although Yani hasn't commented as of this writing, she's been offered a chance to play with the men at the Puerto Rico Open next year.

I realize this bit of news will start another debate about women playing with the men, but I think it's a good idea. Here's the deal:

• As I understand it, Yani played at the course when she was an amateur and did pretty well. Apparently it suits her style of play.
• The tournament director says she will not only draw extra attention to the tournament, but also to the women's golf program that has gotten underway in Puerto Rico.
• The event isn't opposite any scheduled LPGA event, so it won't take her away from her own tour.

Annika, who played in the 2003 Colonial, thinks it will be good for Yani -- not to prove anything about women playing against men, but simply to help her improve her game. This is why Annika originally agreed to play Colonial and, if I remember correctly, she said that it helped her raise her game to another level. (She won 3 of the 5 majors immediately following that appearance.)

Apparently Yani has the same goal in mind. She talks to Annika a lot and has made no secret that she want to follow in her steps.

I think Yani will probably accept the offer. It's pretty clear that the LPGA girls have a way to go if they want to really push Yani, and she apparently wants to be pushed. There's nothing wrong with that.

But if I were the rest of the ladies on the LPGA and LET, I'd be a bit worried. Yani's lead in the world rankings is now comparable to the one Tiger held over the PGA -- 18.40 points versus the 10.93 of second-place Suzann Pettersen. If Yani can get the guys to teach her a few new tricks...

I believe the proper Spanish phrase is "¡Ay, caramba!" ;-)