Model Paulina Gretzky is n't a pro golfer but she 's made it onto the cover of the latest issue of Golf Digest . The controversial move has left some women in the sport frustrated as the magazine defends its position . Golf Digest , which bills itself as `` the authority on how to play , what to play and where to play , '' has explained that as the fiancée of PGA Tour pro Dustin Johnson , Gretzky is a major celebrity in the golf world and thereby qualifies the recognition of a cover story . `` Sports figures , celebrities and models have appeared on Golf Digest covers since the magazine 's beginning , '' the publication 's editor in chief , Jerry Tarde , says in a statement . `` Paulina ranks at the high end of the golf celebrity scene today , and she has a compelling story to tell . She also might get some new people interested in the game . '' But to some members of the Ladies Professional Golf Association , choosing Gretzky -- who , yes , is the daughter of hockey great Wayne Gretzky -- means a female pro golfer is getting overlooked . `` It 's the state of where we 've always been . We do n't get the respect for being the golfers we are , '' Stacy Lewis , a top-ranked American golfer , has told press , according to USA Today . `` Obviously , Golf Digest is trying to sell magazines , but at the same time you like to see a little respect for the women 's game . '' In the Golf Digest piece , Gretzky discusses her involvement in the sport and demonstrates six golf-improvement exercises . On the cover and in two of the photos used to promote the issue , which is available via tablet starting April 8 and from newsstands starting April 15 , she does n't wear the typical golf attire but rather fitted workout pants and a sports bra . Golf Digest appears to have anticipated the reaction to the cover , as it already has an answer to the question , `` What 's Paulina Gretzky doing on the cover of Golf Digest ? '' up on its website . The response falls in line with what editor Tarde says in his statement : given the fact that Gretzky is `` as much a subject of fascination at tournaments as the guy she 's there watching , '' combined with the fact that `` she 's an attractive , fit woman who -- like many of our prospective readers -- is fairly new to golf ... she seemed a natural cover subject for our second annual issue devoted to fitness . '' That position seems to answer the query veteran golfer Angela Stanford has asked : Who , exactly , is Golf Digest trying to sell to ? `` If the answer is men 25 years old through 45 years old , then I guess that 's what they have to do , '' she told USA Today . `` You know the old saying , sex sells . And nobody can argue with that . It 's just the way it is . But the LPGA has some attractive women and very fit women , so why not use them ? I 'm just baffled by it . ''
Golf Digest 's new issue featuring Paulina Jones has sparked controversy . Gretzky does not play the sport professionally , but is married to a pro golfer . It 's left women in the sport confused by the lack of coverage .