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Bagger looks for respect
From The Australian
Link: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21111838-23213,00.html* By Josh Massoud
* January 25, 2007MIANNE Bagger is a long way behind the player with the best credentials at next week’s 2007 Australian Women’s Open.
But when it comes to attention and curiosity, she is certain to be eyeballing superstars Karrie Webb and Natalie Gulbis at Royal Sydney.
After undergoing a sex change in 1995, Bagger accepts it’s par for the course for people to discuss her personal life ahead of her game.
But despite launching into the spotlight after forcing European and Australian associations to change their eligibility rules, Bagger remains frustrated.
Speaking exclusively to The Daily Telegraph yesterday, the 39-year-old Aussie said “negative stereotypes” continue to haunt her three years after creating a global precedent.
“There’s so many negative stereotypes surrounding this issue and it makes life so much more difficult,” Bagger said from Perth, where she is fine-tuning her game ahead of next week’s tournament.
“It’s happening slowly. It’s not something that’s going to happen within a year or two. The world of sport needs to acknowledge natural diversity.
Bagger’s main gripe is over “poor terminology” that follows her.
She gets particularly upset at being branded a “transexual”, pointing out the term applies to a medical condition.
“It’s like calling someone a cancer,” she said. “The correct word is ‘transitioned’.”
Back on the Ladies European Tour (LET) after regaining her full card last year, Bagger insists other female golfers have “no issue”.
She added yesterday that some of her rivals possess higher testosterone levels, yet remain free from scrutiny.
“I’ve been lucky that at least I’ve been allowed to compete professionally, although I’m still not satisfied with the conditions,” Bagger said.
“Other women on tour have higher levels of testosterone and no-one seems to be concerned about them.
“When (American teenager) Michelle Wie hits a 300-yard drive, everyone says ‘Oh wow’.
“When I hit a 250 yard drive people get worried.
“At the moment sport is conditional and people are made to feel like outcasts.”
Bagger accepts openness has cost her sponsors in the corporate world, which she believes is “the most conservative pocket of society”.
The chronic money shortage will see her tee-off with three-year-old clubs next Thursday, and Bagger knows there’s only one way to get a set of new ones.
“I’ve just decided to start playing good golf,” she said.
“I’ve stopped watching my swing on video – I just want to feel what the club face is doing. It’s improving and so is my confidence.”
An eight-under round at the NSW Open and a second placing at the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic in December have Bagger poised to let her golf do the talking this week.
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