Pernilla Lindberg went into the New Zealand Open with one goal: beat one man in the field. Not only did she beat one, she beat four on her way to becoming the first woman to compete in the over-century old tournament. Lindberg opened with an 80, but played well in her second round, shooting a one-over 73. She missed the cut.
Lindberg was invited to play in the event due to a non-golf relationship with the country: in 2019, she and her husband, Daniel Taylor, got married in New Zealand. When she accepted the invitation to play, she said she was going to be in New Zealand anyway for her one-year wedding anniversary. The event is played over two courses, Millbrook Resort and The Hills Golf Club.
This was Lindberg’s first time playing against the men. The most recent LPGA player to play against the men is Lexi Thompson, who teed it up at the QBE Shootout in Naples, Florida in November.