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Dec 29 2004 By Elspeth Burnside
ITALIAN beauty Sophie Sandolo has out done fellow pro Natalie Gulbis by posing nude for a 2005 calendar. American Gulbis, a former world-class gymnast, has been dubbed the Anna Kournikova of women's golf and earlier this year launched a calendar packed full with bikinis shots. But Sandolo has bared all in a move that will have most members of the Royal & Ancient choking on their cucumber sandwiches. The 28-year-old Ladies' European Tour ace, regarded as one of the most colourful dressers on the circuit, inisists it will enhance the image of the women's game. Sandolo said: 'I've done it for fun. It's something I've thought about for the past two years and I decided to go for it. 'Women's golf needs a new image. There are great players on the Tour and we need the media to notice us. If the calendar helps put out the message that women's golf is worth watching then that would be fantastic.' Gulbis launched her calendar during this year's US Women's Open - but tournament organiser the United States Golf Association refused to let her sell it on site. And like Kournikova, she has been criticised for spending too much time on off-course activities. But Gulbis agrees with Sandolo's argument that sexy photo shoots have a positive impact on the game. She said: 'The calendar hardly took any time at all. It was good fun and women's golf needs to show more glamour. 'There are a lot of good-looking young players in the game. I think it's good to show another side rather than us just playing golf.' Women's Tour officials have praised both players for their 'tasteful and innovative' approach to publicising the sport. But Sandolo insists golf still comes first. She said: 'It's nice to be known for looking good - but I want to prove myself on the golf course too. 'I got off to a good start last season before injuries began to effect my form.' The good news for her fans is that Sandolo easily held on to her card for 2005 after finishing 44th on the Order of Merit last season.
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