Annika Sorenstam’s return to golf brings ‘Tiger feeling’ after 13 years of absence

Annika Sorenstam’s return to golf brings ‘Tiger feeling’ after 13 years of absence

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The 10-time main winner, who retired from golf in 2008, announced earlier this month that she would make her comeback at the Gainbridge LPGA Championship, which started on Thursday.

Sorenstam hit 75 on his return, and just the sight of the 50-year-old striking and walking the field left some of the younger players in awe.

Patty Tavatanakit – who won the Sorenstam university event in Minnesota – said she looked like “a Tiger feeling a little” to have her back, while Gaby Lopez considered it a “dream come true” to be in the same field as her.
“Just being with her gave me that kind of peaceful environment and reminded me of how blessed and grateful I am to have this opportunity to compete with her, just because I remember the seven year old girl Gaby chasing her over the golf course to get an autographed golf ball, “the Mexican player told the media later.

“Her role in this game, at this point in her career, I think, is just to keep inspiring girls. I played with her at Diamond Resorts, and I can say that she is still as competitive as she probably was 20 years ago.

“You can see that her short game; the placement is still going on. This is something that she has in her veins and will shine forever. She said that she is probably not hitting as far or straight as before, but at the end of the day, I’ll say it again: she’s my superhero. She and Lorena are probably the reason I’m here. To be able to share this with them, specifically with her, is just unbelievable. “

Sorenstam left golf in 2008 to start a family. And with her children Will and Ava watching, the 50-year-old finished three more than normal on her home course, admitting that she will need to be more aggressive in the future.

Although her return to the course caused a stir among her competitors, adjusting to the changes the Tour has undergone since she was away was the biggest shock.

“I think the biggest thing I missed was playing tee times,” said Sorenstam. “I was told you should be ready at 7:00 on Saturday. I didn’t hear 7:00. I just heard on Saturday. Somehow, I screwed up.”
Sorenstam reacts on the first tee during the first round of the Gainnbridge LPGA Championship.

“Fortunately, I managed to play with Anna (Nordqvist) on Monday anyway and with Danielle (Kang) on ​​Tuesday. It was a little bit different, but you need to get used to these new rules. All out, I’m out of here . “

However, next week Sorenstam says he will return to being a wife and mother.

“Again, if it weren’t for Lake Nona [being the host site] I wouldn’t be playing. This is not a comeback. It is an appearance. And I am very happy with that. “

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Even the club’s first-round leader, Lydia Ko, admitted to being somewhat surprised just to see Sorenstam do her thing.

“Obviously so cool to see Annika and just be in the group behind her, to see her hit some shots,” said Ko. “I always saw her on TV playing, and playing with her last Saturday and playing behind her I think is super cool.

“I hope this will bring a lot of attention and enthusiasm for us on tour and just for women’s golf. I’m sure it is not easy for her to come back, especially after being retired for so long, but I think that is a pretty big statement. And yes, definitely cool for me to be in the same field as I think GOAT. “

Jill Martin contributed to this report.

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