Dubai: When we look back at the Dubai Ladies Masters, searching for a moment which demonstrates sporting achievement, perhaps nothing will beat what Finland's Ursula Wikstrom pulled off.
Despite being seven months pregnant the fearless Finn defied the odds to compete in Dubai and challenge some of the best female golfers in the world over four rounds of bruising golf.
And she looked none the worse for it yesterday after carding a third round 73 for a two-over-par total of 218.
"I have not really thought about it. But yes, many people come up to me and ask if I am OK," she said. "Others seem to be surprised to see someone in my state playing.
"Initially I was a bit doubtful about whether I should be coming to Dubai for the Ladies Masters. It took a long time making a decision. But then I decided that I will make it.
"Now I'm happy that I came to Dubai," she continued.
"I figured that I could manage normal play. I know a couple of players who have played when they were pregnant, I'm not the only one, so it was OK."
Normal play, however, meant making some adjustments to her game due to the pregnancy.
"Of course I have had to adjust my swing, but it's only for one tournament, so I guess it's all right."
Wikstrom said she had been given the green signal to play by her doctor.
"He said that as long as it feels OK just go ahead and do whatever you want," she said. "I've not had any problems like chest pain, I am having a rather easy pregnancy, so it's OK."
Wikstrom, looking for her first success on the tour, enjoyed her best finish when she tied for 13th place earlier this year in Italy.
She admitted that it was a bit of a struggle in Dubai but that she was coping well.
"I was a bit stuck on the greens, maybe I could have had some more birdies, I had five in the first round," she said.
The Finn putted for two birdies on each half but dropped shots on the 6th, 8th and 14th holes, all par fours.
"The course is quite good except for the greens which are giving me a hard time. I haven't played for some time on the plains and so I was a bit hassled. Maybe I need to practise more on the plains just to get used to the long greens." Wikstrom said that having her husband caddie for her was a big help.
"We work well as a team," she said. "He has a job so he only caddies for me occasionally. He works with the Finnish Golf Federation."
Asked if she saw herself as some sort of superwoman Wikstrom just smiled and said, "No, I just enjoy golf, that's why I'm here."
