Special features
End of the line for Annika
Legend wants to leave 'on her own terms'
Last updated: 14th May 2008
Annika Sorenstam has announced she will retire at the end of this season.
The 37-year-old made the announcement just two days after achieving the 90th professional victory of her remarkable career.
Back up to world number two after failing to win a tournament in an injury-ravaged 2007, Sorenstam has decided to concentrate on business interests off the course. She is also getting married again next April.
Sorenstam - who has won three times already this season - told a press conference ahead of this week's Sybase Classic in New Jersey: "I have given it my all, and it's been fun. I came back from an injury last year, I am healthy, I feel good.
"I have started strong this season and I will be leaving the game on my own terms."
"I have other priorities in my life, I have a lot of dreams. This is a difficult decision to make because I love this game so much."
Sorenstam is the only woman ever to shoot 59 in tournament play and still hopes to add to her 10 major titles.
Majors
Between 2001 and 2005 Sorenstam won more majors than Tiger Woods - seven to five - and they got into a habit of texting whenever they won to remind each other of the score between them.
Her 72 LPGA Tour victories put her third on the career list behind Kathy Whitworth (88) and Mickey Wright (82), while only three women in history have won more majors.
She also played a part in establishing the Solheim Cup as a meaningful competition, helping Europe win at Loch Lomond in 2000 and in her home country at Barseback in 2003.
Her overall record in the eight matches she played was 22 wins, four halves and 11 losses and her absence from next year's match is a big blow for new European captain Alison Nicholas.
Colonial
In 2003 at the Colonial tournament in Texas, she became the first woman in 58 years to compete on the US Tour.
She missed the cut, but was far from out-classed and on her return to her own circuit remained the dominant figure until the emergence of Mexican Lorena Ochoa in the last two seasons.
Sorenstam opened a golf academy last year near her home in Orlando and has several other ventures under way, including course design.
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Comments (8)
Rowland Philllips says...
A true champion in every sense of the word. The game will miss her. I was looking forward to an Annika v Lorena rivalry
Posted 22:33 15th May 2008
Anne Martin says...
Annika will be a very big miss, I beleive her to have been the best ambassador to the game of golf, I have watched her for years and she always made the game much more interesting, Annika was always graious in either winning or losing. I wish her all the best in whatever she wants to do. Best wishes for the future Annika.
Posted 21:05 15th May 2008
Ian Brentnall says...
Had the pleasure of playing in a ProAm with her in her Rookie year - 1993 - she was like a breath of fresh and will be missed on the LPGA. I believe it was her dominance that has helped highlight women's golf worldwide - Miss you already!
Posted 21:00 14th May 2008
Len Silver says...
A great ambassador for the game, who has come back from injury. Will be greatly missed. Good luck for all you do in the future.
Posted 13:22 14th May 2008
D Pearce says...
Massive loss to the game. She has always been the ultimate professional and set an example that has invigorated the women's game. Has always been a pleasure to watch her play.
Posted 10:26 14th May 2008
Erica Blacklee says...
Annika will be sorley missed she has done to the womens game what Tiger has done for the mens game. She is a true ambasador for golf and sport in general.
Posted 10:23 14th May 2008
John Clarkson says...
what a shame. such a pleasant lady and pleasing to watch on the course. happy retirement!
Posted 01:26 14th May 2008
Dennis Doherty says...
very sad loss to the game of golf I shall miss her very much .Dennis
Posted 00:19 14th May 2008