Who is Maria Verchenova?

By Kat Ahn on May 14th, 2009

• Share
• Link to StumbleUpon
• 1 Comment

Moscow born Maria Verchenova is causing waves in the world of Professional golf as being the “Maria Sharapova,” of Golf, but this 23 year old golfer is still looking to establish her place on the golf course.

She won the 2004 Russian Amateur Championship as well as becoming the first Russian to be a full-time member of the Ladies European Tour.  Verchenova has her sights set on the Women’s British Open to silence critics that say that she is getting attention only for her model looks.

Verchenova acknowledges the comparison with Sharapova saying, “I am looking at Maria, not because of the way she looks but because of the way she plays.  I think Russian women are strong mentally. They are trying really hard and they are achieving things.”

She will be playing at the Deutsche Bank Swiss Open for the next leg of the Ladies’ European Tour, and says that she’s more determined to succeed in the world of golf because Russia doesn’t have programs specifically centered on golf.

Verchenova says, “Russia doesn’t have programs such as Korea, Japan, countries in Europe or the US have. We have support in tennis and hockey but not in golf so this is something we have to work on. It has been tough for me to get to this level considering the difficulties which came to me along my young career. I wish I could have had more support and experienced people to rely on in the past. But the exciting part is that I can be this person for the next generation and this is priceless! I will do all my best to be a good pioneer and give back.

Check out more photos of Maria Verchenova here!