ROGERS — Suzann Pettersen stopped just off the ninth green to autograph several tournament programs and hats following her pro-am round Thursday at the Walmart NWA Arkansas Championship.
The 31-year-old Norway native will likely be signing copies of ESPN The Magazine in the near future after posing nude for its fourth annual “Body Issue,” which will hit newsstands July 13.
Pettersen’s involvement as one of 27 participating athletes was announced Wednesday, but her photo shoot was earlier in the spring.
“It was an out-of-body experience,” Pettersen said. “It’s as natural as it gets.”
Pettersen didn’t immediately accept the offer, but ultimately elected not to pass on the chance to be featured alongside other professional athletes, including New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, soccer star Abby Wambach and six members of the U.S. women’s volleyball team.
“I thought about it, but in the end I thought it was a great opportunity,” Pettersen said. “I mean, its not like it’s a sex magazine or anything. Its sports. Its athletes. Its tasteful.”
Pettersen became the fifth LPGA player to pose for the “Body Issue”, joining Christina Kim, Sandra Gal, Belan Mozo and Anna Grzebien.
Pettersen, ranked No. 5 in the Rolex World Rankings and No. 8 on the LPGA money list, is the highest-ranked male or female golfer to pose for the issue.
“She’s already a known entity because she’s a fantastic player,” said Kraig Kann, LPGA Chief Communications Officer. “She’s one of the world’s best in golf. Period.
“The fact that she’s one of our most fit players and best athletes only enhances the validity of them coming after her for this position.”
In addition to the four golfers who previously appeared in ESPN The Magazine, Natalie Gulbis posed in body paint for Sports Illustrated’s 2012 Swimsuit Edition.
The publicity has helped the tour reach a new audience. LPGA TV viewership increased 38 percent in 2011 and has jumped again this season.
“We’re having a heck of a year,” Kann said. “Our ratings are up. The number of tournaments are up. We have a phenomenal group of athletes on this tour who understand our mission, which is to try to grow exposure and awareness for the tour and its brand.
“I think things like this coming about for Suzann Pettersen are a part of us getting more exposure and notoriety on the tour.”
This weekend, Pettersen, who won a major at the 2007 LPGA Championship, will try to compete for the tournament title in an event where she finished tied for 10th last year.
“It’s a great course,” Pettersen said. “If you drive it well here and distance control your irons, you’re going to be in good shape.”
Pettersen tied for second at the LPGA Championship in early June and will use this weekend to prepare for the next major championship, the U.S. Women’s Open next week.
“It was a bit disappointing at the LPGA,” Pettersen said. “I played good and gave myself some chances. Hopefully I do that again this weekend. This is an opportunity to keep the buildup for next week.
“I’ve put in a lot of effort this year and hopefully this weekend will get it rolling.”
Things won’t slow down for Pettersen after the U.S. Open, though. The “Body Issue” comes out the following week.
“I think every one of the best athletes out there have done it,” Pettersen said. “I’m in great company and was honored to be asked. It gives you the best of the best.”