When Annika Sorenstam retired from golf in 2008, she commented, “I believe I achieved so much more than I ever thought I could.” She’s returning for more now, 14 years later.
The 72-time LPGA winner, who won the U.S. Senior Women’s Open last year, will take advantage of her invitation to compete in this year’s U.S. Women’s Open. The tournament will be held from June 2 to 5 in Pine Needles, North Carolina, where Sorenstam won her second USWO title in 1996.
“I’m looking forward to playing in another US Women’s Open, especially because it’ll be held at Pine Needles,” Sorenstam stated. “I never expected to be a part of another one, but everything simply came into place.” Teeing it up in the best women’s golf tournament, at a place where I have so many fantastic memories, and doing so with my family means a lot to us. I’m sure Peggy Kirk Bell [World Golf Hall of Fame inductee and longtime Pine Needles owner] is beaming down at how everything turned out.”
Not only is the 51-year-old Swede looking forward to her big comeback, but so is the USGA, which is giving away a special edition Sorenstam bobblehead to anybody who buys two tickets to the championship between now and Feb. 28.
The 10-time major champion, who retired from golf to focus on raising a family with her husband, Mike McGee, last competed in the U.S. Open at Interlachen Country Club in 2008. Sorenstam ended T-24, although she went out on a high note, holing out for eagle on her 72nd hole from 199 yards.
Now, 14 years later, the Hall of Famer will attempt to replicate that same magic while edging Phil Mickelson, who won the PGA last year at the age of 50, to become the oldest player to win a major tournament.
