Who was the first woman golfer to play in a men’s PGA Tour event?

Annika Sörenstam, a Swedish golfer was the first woman golfer to play in a men’s PGA Tour event in the modern era.

In 2003, Annika Sörenstam received a special exemption to compete in the Bank of America Colonial tournament, a PGA Tour event. The tournament took place at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Annika Sörenstam’s participation generated significant media attention and marked a historic moment for women’s golf. While Sörenstam did not make the cut to play the weekend rounds, her participation in a traditionally male-dominated event was a significant milestone.

It opened up discussions about gender equality in golf and furthered the recognition of talented female golfers. Babe Zaharias also played in men’s PGA Tour events prior to the modern era. She competed against male professionals in the 1930s and 1940s but not in the official PGA Tour events as we know them today.