Annika Sorenstam Retires as Golf Legend
LPGA's Best-ever Player Concludes Career with 72 Wins, 10 Majors
Nov 25, 2008
Annika. Like the remarkable talents in sports and music that are recognizable worldwide by just a single name -- LeBron, Michael, Tiger and Madonna, to name a few -- Annika Sorenstam demands single-name, celebrity status.
Sorenstam retired from the LPGA in 2008, like a thief leaving through a window; Sorenstam missed the cut at her final LPGA event in West Palm Beach Florida and, as has been her way during an amazing 15-year career, Sorenstam quietly said goodbye to her fans, who are legion. "All of a sudden, the time is here," Sorenstam told the Associated Press, after her last competitive tournament. "You're standing there on the 18th fairway and it's your last approach shot in an LPGA event. A lot of thoughts go through your head. . ."
Annika Sorenstam's Staggering Career Stats
Although Sorenstam is far too humble to admit it, some of those thoughts had to be about her ridiculous LPGA statistics in a career that rivals that of PGA stars, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Annika won a jaw-dropping 72 tournaments in her rather short career -- an average of nearly five wins per season. Sorenstam also carded 10 LPGA Major victories and earned well over $22 million in prize money. She won both the LPGA Championship and the U.S. Open three times, which ties for second-most wins of all time. Sorenstam's 272 is the best 4-round score at the Women's U.S. Open.
Victories aside, Annika Sorenstam may be remembered more for her uncanny shot-making ability and consistently-low scores. Sorenstam shot a 59 in an LPGA round and averaged 68 per round one season -- both LPGA records.
Annika Transcends Golf
Although she was intensely emotional after her final LPGA event, Annika won't have time to pine for golf, as she will immediately pursue other interests outside of the game, as well as remain a force around it. Sorenstam has already begun work on her own wine, her own fragrance and she will design golf courses in her spare time.
Sorenstam's Legacy
There are few athletes who have a true legacy. Annika Sorenstam leaves women's professional golf in a better place than it was when she arrived. Not only has Annika made every girl who has any interest in the game want to be like her, she has also turned many men's eyes toward the LPGA. In fact, in 2003, men didn't need to go to the LPGA to see Annika Sorenstam, as Annika broke the gender barrier when she played in the PGA's Colonial Tournament alongside some of the world's best male golfers.
Annika Sorenstam has never backed down from any challenge. She may not have won against the men, but she held her own and will forever be known as the first woman to meet the men on their turf and make them take notice.
Annika Sorenstam will be missed, but the LPGA's greatest-ever golfer won't be forgotten.
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