Annika Sörenstam

Annika Sörenstam is a retired Swedish professional golfer, born on October 9, 1970, in Bro, Stockholm County. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female golfers in history. Sörenstam began her professional career with the Ladies European Tour (LET) before moving to the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour in 1994, where she won numerous titles, including 10 major championships.

Sörenstam is known for her technical skill, precision, and mental strength. She has won numerous individual awards, including eight Player of the Year titles, and holds multiple records, such as being the first woman to shoot a 59 in competition.

Off the field, Sörenstam is also recognized for her contributions to golf and sports in general, both through her ANNIKA Foundation and as a broadcaster and entrepreneur.

Ladies European Tour

• Start of Career: Sörenstam turned professional in 1992 and joined the LET in 1993. She won the tour's Rookie of the Year award that season.

Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour

• Rise to Stardom: Sörenstam joined the LPGA Tour in 1994. She quickly rose to stardom, winning three tournaments in her rookie year and being named the LPGA Rookie of the Year.
• Record-breaking Career: From 1995 to 2008, Sörenstam won 72 LPGA Tour events, including 10 major championships. She is one of only six women to have won all five major titles in women's golf.

Retirement and post-playing career

• Retirement: In 2008, Sörenstam announced her retirement from competitive golf. She has since focused on her business interests, including golf course design and wine production, as well as her broadcasting career and philanthropy work.

Solheim Cup

• Debut: Sörenstam made her Solheim Cup debut in 1994, representing Europe against the United States.
• Achievements: Sörenstam played in the Solheim Cup eight times, helping Europe to victory in 2000 and 2003.

• Playing Style: Known for her technical precision, mental toughness, and consistent play. Sörenstam had one of the most efficient swings in golf, often finding the fairway off the tee and giving herself opportunities for birdies.

• Family: Sörenstam is married to Mike McGee and they have two children.
• Philanthropy: Sörenstam established the ANNIKA Foundation in 2007, which aims to provide opportunities for women in golf and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

• Annika Sörenstam is celebrated not only for her exceptional talents and numerous records but also for her role in promoting the sport of golf, particularly among women and girls. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the golf course, influencing and inspiring countless individuals around the world.

Most Wins in a Season:

• 11 wins in 2002

Most Consecutive Rounds Under Par:

• 29 rounds in 2004

First Woman to Shoot 59:

• Achieved in 2001

Most Player of the Year Awards:

• Eight times (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)

Books

• Sörenstam, A. (2006) Golf Annika's Way: How I Elevated My Game to Be the Best and How You Can Too. New York: Gotham Books.
• Stark, J. (2005) Annika Sörenstam: The Making of a Champion. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Websites

• LPGA Tour: Information about Annika Sörenstam’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.lpga.com
• ANNIKA Foundation: Details about Sörenstam’s charity and its initiatives. Available at: https://www.annikafoundation.org

Articles

• Golf Digest: Annika Sörenstam's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/annika-sorenstam-career
• Golf Channel: Various articles and features on Annika Sörenstam, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.golfchannel.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Annika (2003): Directed by Terry Jastrow. This documentary provides a detailed look at Sörenstam’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.