Annika Sorenstam’s return to golf brings ‘Tiger feeling’ after a 13-year absence

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

Sorenstam shot a 75 in her return, and the mere sight of the 50-year-old hitting shots and striding down the fairways impressed some of the younger players.

Patty Tavatanakit – who won Sorenstam’s college event in Minnesota – said it felt like “a tiger that feels a little bit” with her back, while Gaby Lopez called it a “dream come true” to be in the same field as her. .
Just being with her gave me a peaceful environment and reminded me how blessed and grateful I am to have this opportunity to compete with her just because I remember seven-year-old Gaby chasing her down the golf course for a Autographed golf ball, ”the Mexican golfer told the media afterwards.

“Her role in this game, at this time in her career, I think is just to keep inspiring girls. I played with her at Diamond Resorts and I can tell you she is still as competitive as she was probably when she was 20 years ago used to be.

You can see her short game of putting is still on. That’s something she’s got in her veins and will shine forever. She said she probably won’t hit it as far or straight as before, but at the end of the day I’m going to say it again, she’s my superhero. She and Lorena are probably why I’m here. It’s just incredible to be able to share this with them, specifically with her. “

Sorenstam retired from golf in 2008 to start a family. And as her kids Will and Ava watch, the 50-year-old finished on top of her home class three times, admitting she will have to be more aggressive in the future.

While her return to the track caused an excitement among her competitors, adapting to the changes the Tour has undergone since she’s gone has been the biggest shock.

“I think the biggest thing I messed up was the practice round start times,” said Sorenstam. “I was told you should be ready by 7:00 on Saturday. I did not hear 7:00. I just heard on Saturday. Somehow I screwed that up. ‘
Sorenstam responds to the first tee on the first round of the Gainnbridge LPGA Championship.

“Luckily I was able to play with Anna (Nordqvist) on Monday and with Danielle (Kang) on ​​Tuesday. It was a bit different, but you have to get used to these new rules. By the time I figured them out, I’m out of here. “

But next week, Sorenstam says she will be a wife and mother again.

Again, if it weren’t for Lake Nona [being the host site] I wouldn’t play. This is not a comeback. It’s an appearance. And I’m just excited about that. “

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Even the clubhouse leader in the first round, Lydia Ko, admitted she was a bit over the moon seeing Sorenstam do her stuff.

“Obviously it’s so cool to see Annika and just be in the group behind her, watch her take a few shots,” said Ko. “I’ve always seen her play on TV, and I think playing with her and playing behind her last Saturday is super cool.

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

Jill Martin contributed to this report.

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