Maria Hjorth Background   Joined LPGA: October, 1997 Birthday: October 15, 1973 College: None Height: 5'9" Birthplace: Falun, Sweden Residence: Scottsdale, Ariz. Exempt Status: Exempt

Hjorth, who started playing golf at the age of five, enjoyed a very successful amateur career. She was a member of the Swedish National Team from 1991-1996 and was the winner of 23 amateur events. As a junior in 1991, she won on the Swedish Professional Ladies Tour and captured the Swedish Girls Order of Merit and in 1995, she went on to win the European Ladies Amateur title.

Hjorth turned professional in 1996 and was a member of the Swedish, European and Australian Tours. She qualified for the LPGA Tour on her first attempt.

During the 2001 season Hjorth did not win a tournament, but more than doubled her career earnings on the strength of nine top-10 finishes.