HELSINGOER, Denmark -- In her final tournament in Europe, Annika Sorenstam shot a 2-under 71 on Friday to trail by five shots after the first round of the Nykredit Masters. Martina Eberl of Germany birdied six of the last seven holes for a 66, taking a one-shot lead in the 54-hole tournament. Melissa Reid of England (67) birdied three of the last four holes. Sorenstam, who will retire at the end of the season, shot par through 14 holes before she birdied the next two. "I'm not satisfied and it could have been better," Sorenstam said. "I did what I could today but I didn't really get it together. I should have taken more advantage of two of the par-5s."
HELSINGOER, Denmark -- In her final tournament in Europe, Annika Sorenstam shot a 2-under 71 on Friday to trail by five shots after the first round of the Nykredit Masters.
Martina Eberl of Germany birdied six of the last seven holes for a 66, taking a one-shot lead in the 54-hole tournament. Melissa Reid of England (67) birdied three of the last four holes.
Sorenstam, who will retire at the end of the season, shot par through 14 holes before she birdied the next two.
"I'm not satisfied and it could have been better," Sorenstam said. "I did what I could today but I didn't really get it together. I should have taken more advantage of two of the par-5s."
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HELSINGOER, Denmark – Annika Sorenstam will play her last tournament in Europe this weekend at the Nykredit Masters. The second-ranked Swede, who will retire at the end of the season, headlines the Ladies European Tour event at Simon's Golf Club. “I'm on a kind of goodbye tour and am happy to play in some of the countries that I don't get the chance to visit too often,” Sorenstam said Thursday on the eve of the 54-hole tournament. A winner of 10 majors and 72 LPGA titles, Sorenstam plans to get married, start a family and focus on business and golf interests. The 37-year-old Sorenstam was invited to play in the tournament by Solheim Cup teammate Iben Tinning of Denmark, who is competing on her home course. “It was Iben who convinced me to play in the Nykredit Masters when we played in Dubai last winter,” said Sorenstam, who played in Denmark as a junior. “Every tournament is a goodbye for me, and now I look forward to soaking up the atmosphere in Denmark.”
HELSINGOER, Denmark – Annika Sorenstam will play her last tournament in Europe this weekend at the Nykredit Masters.
The second-ranked Swede, who will retire at the end of the season, headlines the Ladies European Tour event at Simon's Golf Club.
“I'm on a kind of goodbye tour and am happy to play in some of the countries that I don't get the chance to visit too often,” Sorenstam said Thursday on the eve of the 54-hole tournament.
A winner of 10 majors and 72 LPGA titles, Sorenstam plans to get married, start a family and focus on business and golf interests.
The 37-year-old Sorenstam was invited to play in the tournament by Solheim Cup teammate Iben Tinning of Denmark, who is competing on her home course.
“It was Iben who convinced me to play in the Nykredit Masters when we played in Dubai last winter,” said Sorenstam, who played in Denmark as a junior. “Every tournament is a goodbye for me, and now I look forward to soaking up the atmosphere in Denmark.”
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Amy Yang of South Korea spoiled Annika Sorenstam's finale on home turf, tying the course record with a 9-under 63 Sunday for a six-shot victory at the Scandinavian TPC. Sorenstam eagled the par-4 17th to move into second place. The Swedish Hall of Famer took a double-bogey on the last hole, hitting her tee shot into the water and three-putting. Sorenstam, the tournament host, shot 72 and finished seven strokes back to tie for sixth with three other Swedes. She was greeted by a packed gallery on the 18th green. "I decided to forget that I hit the ball in the water," Sorenstam said. "I enjoyed seeing the fans making the wave and applauding when I went up to the green. It felt really good." The 19-year-old Yang captured her second win as a professional in the rain-shortened 54-hole tournament with a 14-under 202 total at the Frosaker Golf and Country Club.
Sorenstam eagled the par-4 17th to move into second place. The Swedish Hall of Famer took a double-bogey on the last hole, hitting her tee shot into the water and three-putting.
Sorenstam, the tournament host, shot 72 and finished seven strokes back to tie for sixth with three other Swedes. She was greeted by a packed gallery on the 18th green.
"I decided to forget that I hit the ball in the water," Sorenstam said. "I enjoyed seeing the fans making the wave and applauding when I went up to the green. It felt really good."
The 19-year-old Yang captured her second win as a professional in the rain-shortened 54-hole tournament with a 14-under 202 total at the Frosaker Golf and Country Club.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Annika Sorenstam shot a 1-under 71 and trailed by two shots after leader Lill Saether tied the course record with a 64 Saturday in the rain-shortened Scandinavian TPC. Saether birdied six of her first seven holes and totaled 9-under 135 after rain postponed second-round play Friday and shortened the tournament to 54 holes. Maria Hjorth also shot a course-record 64 in a bogey-free round and shared second with Lora Fairclough (66) to trail by one stroke. Tournament host Sorenstam, who is retiring in December, shared fourth with Johanna Head (70). "I think I played well today," Sorenstam said. "I had many chances, but many putts stopped just short of the cup."
STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Annika Sorenstam shot a 1-under 71 and trailed by two shots after leader Lill Saether tied the course record with a 64 Saturday in the rain-shortened Scandinavian TPC.
Saether birdied six of her first seven holes and totaled 9-under 135 after rain postponed second-round play Friday and shortened the tournament to 54 holes.
Maria Hjorth also shot a course-record 64 in a bogey-free round and shared second with Lora Fairclough (66) to trail by one stroke. Tournament host Sorenstam, who is retiring in December, shared fourth with Johanna Head (70).
"I think I played well today," Sorenstam said. "I had many chances, but many putts stopped just short of the cup."
From GOLF.comSUNNINGDALE, England (AP) — Michelle Wie skipped a major to play on the PGA Tour this week. Annika Sorenstam, Helen Alfredsson and Paula Creamer wonder why.After all, Wie has yet to win on the women''s tour and has never made the cut on the PGA Tour.Wie, who is managed by her parents, was listed in qualifying for the Women''s British Open at Sunningdale. But she pulled out and instead has a sponsor''s exemption for the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open at Reno, Nev. It is her eighth PGA Tour event.Sorenstam is playing in her final major before she leaves golf at the end of the season. She is chasing her 11th major and 73rd title. She made a brief foray on the PGA Tour but questioned Wie''s decision to duck a women''s major."Well, we all have different agendas in life," Sorenstam said. "I had a wonderful experience and, when I look back on my career, I will always think about that. I think it was really a turning point in my career and as a person."I really don''t know why Michelle continues to do this. We have a major this week and, if you can''t qualify for a major, I don''t see any reason why you should play with the men."Keep reading....
SUNNINGDALE, England (AP) — Michelle Wie skipped a major to play on the PGA Tour this week. Annika Sorenstam, Helen Alfredsson and Paula Creamer wonder why.After all, Wie has yet to win on the women''s tour and has never made the cut on the PGA Tour.Wie, who is managed by her parents, was listed in qualifying for the Women''s British Open at Sunningdale. But she pulled out and instead has a sponsor''s exemption for the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open at Reno, Nev. It is her eighth PGA Tour event.Sorenstam is playing in her final major before she leaves golf at the end of the season. She is chasing her 11th major and 73rd title. She made a brief foray on the PGA Tour but questioned Wie''s decision to duck a women''s major."Well, we all have different agendas in life," Sorenstam said. "I had a wonderful experience and, when I look back on my career, I will always think about that. I think it was really a turning point in my career and as a person."I really don''t know why Michelle continues to do this. We have a major this week and, if you can''t qualify for a major, I don''t see any reason why you should play with the men."
SUNNINGDALE, England (AP) — Michelle Wie skipped a major to play on the PGA Tour this week. Annika Sorenstam, Helen Alfredsson and Paula Creamer wonder why.
After all, Wie has yet to win on the women''s tour and has never made the cut on the PGA Tour.
Wie, who is managed by her parents, was listed in qualifying for the Women''s British Open at Sunningdale. But she pulled out and instead has a sponsor''s exemption for the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open at Reno, Nev. It is her eighth PGA Tour event.
Sorenstam is playing in her final major before she leaves golf at the end of the season. She is chasing her 11th major and 73rd title. She made a brief foray on the PGA Tour but questioned Wie''s decision to duck a women''s major.
"Well, we all have different agendas in life," Sorenstam said. "I had a wonderful experience and, when I look back on my career, I will always think about that. I think it was really a turning point in my career and as a person.
"I really don''t know why Michelle continues to do this. We have a major this week and, if you can''t qualify for a major, I don''t see any reason why you should play with the men."
Keep reading....
From GOLF.comSUNNINGDALE, England (AP) — When it came time to say she was leaving golf, Annika Sorenstam confided in Tiger Woods."I told him what my plans are, what I''m going to do and he said, ''I''m happy you''re at peace with your decision. I wish you all the best,"'' she said Tuesday. "He did tell me that I beat him to this and I said, ''Well this is the only thing I beat you at."''Sorenstam, speaking before her final major at the Women''s British Open, will be quitting golf at the end of the season. Woods is laid up for the rest of the year with a knee injury."He''s kind of stepped away already," the Swede said. "I have five more months."Fully recovered from her long-term back injury, Sorenstam has won three titles this season, has twice been runner-up and has also finished third and fourth. Hardly the results of someone who is quitting.Keep reading....
SUNNINGDALE, England (AP) — When it came time to say she was leaving golf, Annika Sorenstam confided in Tiger Woods."I told him what my plans are, what I''m going to do and he said, ''I''m happy you''re at peace with your decision. I wish you all the best,"'' she said Tuesday. "He did tell me that I beat him to this and I said, ''Well this is the only thing I beat you at."''Sorenstam, speaking before her final major at the Women''s British Open, will be quitting golf at the end of the season. Woods is laid up for the rest of the year with a knee injury."He''s kind of stepped away already," the Swede said. "I have five more months."Fully recovered from her long-term back injury, Sorenstam has won three titles this season, has twice been runner-up and has also finished third and fourth. Hardly the results of someone who is quitting.
SUNNINGDALE, England (AP) — When it came time to say she was leaving golf, Annika Sorenstam confided in Tiger Woods.
"I told him what my plans are, what I''m going to do and he said, ''I''m happy you''re at peace with your decision. I wish you all the best,"'' she said Tuesday. "He did tell me that I beat him to this and I said, ''Well this is the only thing I beat you at."''
Sorenstam, speaking before her final major at the Women''s British Open, will be quitting golf at the end of the season. Woods is laid up for the rest of the year with a knee injury.
"He''s kind of stepped away already," the Swede said. "I have five more months."
Fully recovered from her long-term back injury, Sorenstam has won three titles this season, has twice been runner-up and has also finished third and fourth. Hardly the results of someone who is quitting.
From Golf DigestEVIAN-LES-BAINS, France -- The chances are good that since I started covering the LPGA regularly for Golf World in 2002 the only person who has seen Annika Sorenstam hit more shots in competition than me is her caddie, Terry McNamara. Annika won so often in the five seasons from ''02 through ''06 -- 38 times -- that she was pretty much always the story, and I always walk with the story.Aware of how many holes I''ve trekked with her, Annika asked me an interesting question a couple of months ago, soon after she decided she would retire from competition at the end of this year: "Have you ever caddied?"I said I had but certainly not on any sort of professional level. She said, "Since you''ve walked with me so much and since this is my last year, why don''t you walk inside the ropes with me at a tournament and caddie for me in a pro-am?" Sounds like a plan was my reply.Keep reading....
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France -- The chances are good that since I started covering the LPGA regularly for Golf World in 2002 the only person who has seen Annika Sorenstam hit more shots in competition than me is her caddie, Terry McNamara. Annika won so often in the five seasons from ''02 through ''06 -- 38 times -- that she was pretty much always the story, and I always walk with the story.Aware of how many holes I''ve trekked with her, Annika asked me an interesting question a couple of months ago, soon after she decided she would retire from competition at the end of this year: "Have you ever caddied?"I said I had but certainly not on any sort of professional level. She said, "Since you''ve walked with me so much and since this is my last year, why don''t you walk inside the ropes with me at a tournament and caddie for me in a pro-am?" Sounds like a plan was my reply.
From The Golf ChannelEVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – Annika Sorenstam is determined her final year on the LPGA will not become a sentimental journey.Yet she might make an exception at the Evian Masters this week, when tournament officials plan to show their affection by naming part of the course in her honor.The 37-year-old Swede with 72 career victories plans to retire at the end of the season to get married and start a family. Sorenstam says the Evian Masters has always been close to her heart.“Evian is just an amazing place,” Sorenstam said Wednesday. “It’s so beautiful. My parents always come here. I bring other family members. It’s just a lot more relaxed than other tournaments. So, this event I’ll certainly miss more than other tournaments.”A section of the course named “Annika’s Place” will be a constant reminder of the two-time Evian champion.“It is in the heart of the tournament and Annika is in our hearts,” tournament director Jacques Bungert said.Keep reading....
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France – Annika Sorenstam is determined her final year on the LPGA will not become a sentimental journey.Yet she might make an exception at the Evian Masters this week, when tournament officials plan to show their affection by naming part of the course in her honor.The 37-year-old Swede with 72 career victories plans to retire at the end of the season to get married and start a family. Sorenstam says the Evian Masters has always been close to her heart.“Evian is just an amazing place,” Sorenstam said Wednesday. “It’s so beautiful. My parents always come here. I bring other family members. It’s just a lot more relaxed than other tournaments. So, this event I’ll certainly miss more than other tournaments.”A section of the course named “Annika’s Place” will be a constant reminder of the two-time Evian champion.“It is in the heart of the tournament and Annika is in our hearts,” tournament director Jacques Bungert said.
From Golf365.comAnnika Sorenstam is set to headline the LPGA''s first visit to China when she competes at the inaugural Grand China Air LPGA in October.Keep reading....
Annika Sorenstam is set to headline the LPGA''s first visit to China when she competes at the inaugural Grand China Air LPGA in October.
From ESPN.comIXTAPA, Mexico -- Annika Sorenstam won 11 skins and $165,000 to beat Lorena Ochoa on Saturday in an exhibition event, the Swedish star''s third straight victory over the top-ranked Mexican in the competition."It was a great experience thanks to all the Mexicans. Every time I played here was a great one. You have always been nice to me," said Sorenstam, who is set to retire at the end of the season.Ochoa earned $105,000.Keep reading....
IXTAPA, Mexico -- Annika Sorenstam won 11 skins and $165,000 to beat Lorena Ochoa on Saturday in an exhibition event, the Swedish star''s third straight victory over the top-ranked Mexican in the competition."It was a great experience thanks to all the Mexicans. Every time I played here was a great one. You have always been nice to me," said Sorenstam, who is set to retire at the end of the season.Ochoa earned $105,000.
From Cyber GolfEditor''s Note: After announcing her retirement at the end of the season from competitive golf, Annika Sorenstam knew entering the 2008 U.S. Women''s Open that it would be her last shot at history. The three-time champion was seeking her fourth title, a mark that would tie the all-time record held by Mickey Wright and Betsy Rawls.Though she wasn''t a factor in this year''s championship, Sorenstam scintillated the crowd by sinking a 6-iron from 200 yards out on the final hole for an eagle. She finished with a 78 that put her in a tie for 24th, a dozen shots behind champion Inbee Park. After her round, the Swedish star met with the media for the following Q&A.Q. That was your 1,026th hole ever in the U.S. Open competition, is there one you remember more than that?ANNIKA SORENSTAM: I don''t think so. I was hoping for memories this week, but it was a different type of memory. But it''s been a wonderful week. I''ve always loved this championship. To finish like that was just -- will stay in my mind forever. Keep reading....
Editor''s Note: After announcing her retirement at the end of the season from competitive golf, Annika Sorenstam knew entering the 2008 U.S. Women''s Open that it would be her last shot at history. The three-time champion was seeking her fourth title, a mark that would tie the all-time record held by Mickey Wright and Betsy Rawls.Though she wasn''t a factor in this year''s championship, Sorenstam scintillated the crowd by sinking a 6-iron from 200 yards out on the final hole for an eagle. She finished with a 78 that put her in a tie for 24th, a dozen shots behind champion Inbee Park. After her round, the Swedish star met with the media for the following Q&A.Q. That was your 1,026th hole ever in the U.S. Open competition, is there one you remember more than that?ANNIKA SORENSTAM: I don''t think so. I was hoping for memories this week, but it was a different type of memory. But it''s been a wonderful week. I''ve always loved this championship. To finish like that was just -- will stay in my mind forever.
Editor''s Note: After announcing her retirement at the end of the season from competitive golf, Annika Sorenstam knew entering the 2008 U.S. Women''s Open that it would be her last shot at history. The three-time champion was seeking her fourth title, a mark that would tie the all-time record held by Mickey Wright and Betsy Rawls.
Though she wasn''t a factor in this year''s championship, Sorenstam scintillated the crowd by sinking a 6-iron from 200 yards out on the final hole for an eagle. She finished with a 78 that put her in a tie for 24th, a dozen shots behind champion Inbee Park. After her round, the Swedish star met with the media for the following Q&A.
Q. That was your 1,026th hole ever in the U.S. Open competition, is there one you remember more than that?
ANNIKA SORENSTAM: I don''t think so. I was hoping for memories this week, but it was a different type of memory. But it''s been a wonderful week. I''ve always loved this championship. To finish like that was just -- will stay in my mind forever.
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From GFW.comWow.In true Annika style, Sorenstam gave her fans a finish to remember this afternoon, eagling the par-five 18th to end her U.S. major championship run in her final season on the LPGA Tour.I, along with a packed grandstand, witnessed Annika fly her approach shot over the lake and onto the green, where it hopped into the pin for an eagle and final-round 78. While she finished the championship at three over, spending the day digging out of bunkers and fighting a ballky putter, she made sure she left her fans an unforgettable farewell present.Annika seemed to even amaze herself. "To finish like that will stay in my mind forever," she said afterwards.It was the talk of the crowd as I made my way out of the grandstand. "Did you see that?" "That was incredible!" "Wow!" reverberated through the collective audience around the 18th green, nearby 10th tee and clubhouse. Even the volunteers got into the act, running over to each other to discuss the shot. "I have goosebumps!" exclaimed one young woman as I passed.Keep reading....
Wow.In true Annika style, Sorenstam gave her fans a finish to remember this afternoon, eagling the par-five 18th to end her U.S. major championship run in her final season on the LPGA Tour.I, along with a packed grandstand, witnessed Annika fly her approach shot over the lake and onto the green, where it hopped into the pin for an eagle and final-round 78. While she finished the championship at three over, spending the day digging out of bunkers and fighting a ballky putter, she made sure she left her fans an unforgettable farewell present.Annika seemed to even amaze herself. "To finish like that will stay in my mind forever," she said afterwards.It was the talk of the crowd as I made my way out of the grandstand. "Did you see that?" "That was incredible!" "Wow!" reverberated through the collective audience around the 18th green, nearby 10th tee and clubhouse. Even the volunteers got into the act, running over to each other to discuss the shot. "I have goosebumps!" exclaimed one young woman as I passed.
From womensusopen.comBy Dave ShedloskiEdina, Minn. – If Annika Sorenstam intends to win her fourth U.S. Women’s Open title, she’ll have to do it from one of the worst starting positions she’s had in her 15 appearances.With her putting not commensurate with a superb tee-to-green effort, Sorenstam surrendered two early birdies and ended up carding a 2-over-par 75 in Thursday’s opening round of the 63rd U.S. Women’s Open. The No. 2-ranked player in the world finds herself mired in 66th place, the second-lowest spot she has ever been in after 18 holes in this championship.In 1997, after consecutive Open titles, Sorenstam opened with a 77 and was tied for 102nd out of 156 players. That was the only year she has missed the cut. During her three victories, in 1995, ’96 and 2006, Sorenstam was never out of the top five after any round."I got off to a great start and made a few mistakes in the middle of the round, but I played some good golf today, I really did," said Sorenstam, 37, who trails the leaders by eight strokes. "I didn''t deviate from my plan. I played very smart, I thought. Just a few putts go in it would have been a different story."Keep reading....
Edina, Minn. – If Annika Sorenstam intends to win her fourth U.S. Women’s Open title, she’ll have to do it from one of the worst starting positions she’s had in her 15 appearances.With her putting not commensurate with a superb tee-to-green effort, Sorenstam surrendered two early birdies and ended up carding a 2-over-par 75 in Thursday’s opening round of the 63rd U.S. Women’s Open. The No. 2-ranked player in the world finds herself mired in 66th place, the second-lowest spot she has ever been in after 18 holes in this championship.In 1997, after consecutive Open titles, Sorenstam opened with a 77 and was tied for 102nd out of 156 players. That was the only year she has missed the cut. During her three victories, in 1995, ’96 and 2006, Sorenstam was never out of the top five after any round."I got off to a great start and made a few mistakes in the middle of the round, but I played some good golf today, I really did," said Sorenstam, 37, who trails the leaders by eight strokes. "I didn''t deviate from my plan. I played very smart, I thought. Just a few putts go in it would have been a different story."
From The Golf ChannelEDINA, Minn. -- The practice range at Interlachen was filled with young players hitting balls under the late afternoon sun, many of them playing in the U.S. Women’s Open for the first time and soaking up all it offers.In the middle of this activity was Annika Sorenstam, without any fanfare, longtime Swedish coach Henri Reis at her side.She was trying not to soak up the memories.Not yet.“I can be an emotional player,” Sorenstam said. “But I can also be a very cold player. And I try to just stay cold about my emotions and focus on what I have to do. But I do know in the back of my mind that when Sunday comes, I will not be playing here any more.”Sorenstam, 37, announced six weeks ago that she is retiring from competition at the end of the year. She does not want this to be a farewell tour, concentrating instead on piling up as many victories as she can, determined to add at least one more major to her collection.Keep reading....
EDINA, Minn. -- The practice range at Interlachen was filled with young players hitting balls under the late afternoon sun, many of them playing in the U.S. Women’s Open for the first time and soaking up all it offers.In the middle of this activity was Annika Sorenstam, without any fanfare, longtime Swedish coach Henri Reis at her side.She was trying not to soak up the memories.Not yet.“I can be an emotional player,” Sorenstam said. “But I can also be a very cold player. And I try to just stay cold about my emotions and focus on what I have to do. But I do know in the back of my mind that when Sunday comes, I will not be playing here any more.”Sorenstam, 37, announced six weeks ago that she is retiring from competition at the end of the year. She does not want this to be a farewell tour, concentrating instead on piling up as many victories as she can, determined to add at least one more major to her collection.