Newsmaker

A top woman golfer has shocked the normally staid sport by launching a raunchy nude calendar.

French-born Italian Sophie Sandolo, well known for her daring dress sense on the golf course sent shockwaves through the sport as she released her own personal calendar to the public at a press evening in a disco in Milan.

Billed as "explosive and sexy", Sophie has pulled no punches with a daring, yet tastefully shot nude front cover, which is sure to divide opinions among the golf community. But in Italy, the media have received it warmly and Sophie, a graduate in Marketing from UCLA University, is already in demand for photo shoots and interviews.

"Golf needs more visibility, glamour and a new image," admitted the 28-year-old, who said that part of the revenue from sales of the calendar will be donated towards the relief effort for victims of the recent Tsunami in South east Asia.

"I've tried to bring my small contribution and hopefully open new doors which could bring more notoriety to the sport I play and I love so much. For that reason I've accepted the proposal to pose for a sexy calendar.

"Women's golf needs both great players who are charming, fun and intriguing. We need to enrich the game of golf with a pinch of glamour and the elegance typical of the womanly grace."