THE Start of the 75th season of the LPGA Tour is a chance for Annika Sorenstam to celebrate and reflect on the power of the golf of women while continuing to compete for decades after starting a career without peer in the modern era.
Sorenstam is part of the headliners from Thursday to Sunday when opening the season Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions has Orlando’s Lake Nona Golf and Country Club. Playing on his home career, Sorenstam – who Retired in 2008 – is one of the 51 players in the celebrity category with Athletes, coaches and artists of the fame of fame in various fields In the running for a handbag of $ 500,000.
Meanwhile, the competition for $ 2 million represents 32 LPGA winners in the last two seasons, including the defending champion and Temple of renowned newly created Lydia Ko And n ° 1 in the world Nelly Korda which comes out of a season of seven victories.
“I know that we are not in the same competition as them, but I will play with some LPGA players,” said Sorenstam on Tuesday. “Just to have a foot in the game, I love it. I really appreciate the game.
Sorenstam even works on a swing change a year after finishing the finalist at FOrmer Major League Baseball All-Star Second Baser Jeff McNeil.
“It never ends,” she said.
A player of eight times of the year, the reign of Sorenstam at the top of the female game abruptly ended with his retirement at 38 years old to start a family. Third in the history of the LPGA with 72 victories, including 10 major championships, Sorenstam is the only golfer to draw 59 in competition and win at the PGA Tour Colonial Invitational 2003.
The 54 -year -old woman’s place is secure on Mount Rushmore of her sport, as well as the major champion 13 times Mickey Wright and the 88 -time winner Kathy Whitworth. The last member of the quartet is open to the vigorous debate.
Sorenstam is humiliated by its place in the The story of LPGA Tour And the roots of his sport.
“It’s incredible to see the growth of female sports and especially golf course,” she said. “You are looking back and you think of the trail blazers, the founders, what they have done with their vision. Here we are in 2025 and certainly a different level with each aspect, I would say.
“Super proud of the organization, what I see and hearing and what I live.”
However, the LPGA tour entered 2025 in the face of more contrary winds than finding a foot in the middle of a crowded sports landscape.
Mollie Marcoux Samaan has resigned Earlier this month as a LPGA commissioner. Liz Moore, head of legal and technological responsibility of the organization, assumed an interim role.
“Commissioner Sorenstam” has a beautiful ring but is a non-starter.
“I don’t want to be the commissioner,” she said. “But if you have a crystal ball, we all want to be seen and heard – whether television or any exhibition. The more there is, the better.
“It is important to have someone who can communicate. You have to communicate with a lot of people … players, the media, partners, fans. »»
This week at Lake Nona, Sorenstam will be forward and in the center to help.
“I look at my years on the LPGA and it makes me smile,” she said. “I am certainly proud of what I have achieved. But I think everyone who contributed feel good to see something grow up and improve each year. »»
Edgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected].
Next…
Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions
When: Thursday-Dimanche, Lake Nona Golf and Country Club
TV: From Thursday to Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Application Sports Golf Channel / NBC
Saturday: 2 p.m. to 1 p.m. NBC Sports App / Peacock; 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. NBC / Peacock
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. NBC Sports App / Peacock; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. NBC / Peacock
