Wilson happy to be big part of Sorenstam week
By Clay Fowler
Special to The Advertiser
FORT WORTH, Texas — Dean Wilson has won six times on the Japan golf tour, fought through 108 holes of qualifying school to earn his 2003 PGA tour card, something he had fallen short of in eight previous attempts.
Despite those accomplishments, the 33-year-old from Kane'ohe ranks the two days he played with Annika Sorenstam in the Bank of America Colonial at the top of the list.
"This is the best golf experience of my life so far," Wilson said. "I've been fortunate enough to win some tournaments in Japan, but the electricity in the air here, with Annika, that's something I'll always reflect on and remember."
While Sorenstam faded on Day 2, missing the cut with a 4-over 74, Wilson quietly moved into contention with a 3-under 67.
At 2-under for the tournament, Wilson's journey with the history-making female had come to an end. The culmination was a scene on the 18th hole normally saved for Sundays.
The galleries were twice as large yesterday as they were Thursday, but the assembly on the final hole dwarfed them all. The group strode up the fairway to a rousing ovation and when Sorenstam sunk her 14-foot par putt the throng erupted in elation for her one last time.
Wilson and Sorenstam shared a hug on the green after the future hall-of-famer had played what was most likely her last shot in a PGA event.
"She did well for herself and everything she stood for here this week," Wilson said. "Her golf game was phenomenal. It's just too much pressure. I'm just proud of her. She did great."
An emotional Sorenstam couldn't fight back tears on the way into the clubhouse, but was thankful for her experience at the Colonial. Wilson and her other playing partner Aaron Barber admittedly played a major role in the historic event.
"We kept saying that all the other groups are missing out because we were having all the fun," said Sorenstam. "That's how it felt like for two days. (Wilson and Barber) are so supportive and really made me feel welcome. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't played with them, but they sure made this week even more special."
On a "Go Annika" button, Sorenstam crossed out her own name and wrote in "Aaron" and "Dean" with a black Sharpie. It was pinned to her golf bag yesterday.
For the rest of his career Wilson may never play in such an atmosphere, but he can be proud of the fact that he braved arguably the most bizarre scene the PGA tour has ever seen.
"Oh, back to the norm, isn't it?" Wilson said. "I wish I could play with that media frenzy going on every day. It's great for the game of golf. It's good for everything."
Wilson is only six shots off the lead of 8-under par, held by co-leaders Dan Forsman and Kenny Perry. He comfortably surpassed the cut line, which fell at 2-over and claimed his two playing partners. Only a PGA tour rookie, Wilson has dreams of fame, but readily acknowledges who was responsible for his celebrity status this week.
"Hopefully I can do something in my career where I won't be known as the guy who played with Annika, maybe the guy who won the Masters, the U.S. Open someday," Wilson said. "But I'm happy to be a part of it, that's for sure. Proud to stand next to her."
