Golfer Sexes Up Image, Marketers Salivate

The LPGA now has its own Anna Kournikova. Natalie Gulbis has sexed up her image in a recent FHM spread and those in the golfing world don't seem too concerned. Even though the USGA didn't like a calendar she did, LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw said, "As our players become recognizable celebrities, more unconventional media outlets are becoming interested. If Natalie is comfortable, we're supportive of the decision." Her father, while blessing the appearance in FHM, was a bit more reserved. "This is an athlete, an LPGA professional. We're not looking for a 'skin' type of thing," he says. "No way she's wearing underwear or a negligee." Not that she has to. The spread reveals quite a bit of her luscious body. In the accompanying FHM interview, guys will be happy to know she says the size of the wood always matters.

While she's already had marketing deals with Titleist, MET-Rx, GeniSoy and EA Sports, she's not yet become as well know an as Kournikova. No doubt, marketers will be knocking on her door soon. Gulbis joins other sports hotties including Maria Sharapova, Daniela Hantuchova and Jelena Dokic. See them all here.