Annika Sorenstam’s return to golf provokes “Tiger feeling” after 13 years of absence

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The ten-time winner, who retired from golf in 2008, announced earlier this month that she would return to the Gainbridge LPGA Championship, which began Thursday.

Sorenstam shot a 75 on his return, and just seeing the 50-year-old hitting shots and walking down the street had some of the younger players admired.

Patty Tavatanakit, who won the Sorenstam college event in Minnesota, said she felt “a tiger feeling a little” with her back, while Gaby Lopez said it was “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 be able to compete with her, just because I remember seven-year-old Gaby chasing her. to get a signed golf ball, ”he later told the Mexican golfer.

“Her role in this game, I guess at this point in her career, continues to inspire girls. I played with her at Diamond Resorts and I can say she’s still as competitive as she probably was 20 years ago.

“You can see that her game is short; putting is still on. That’s something she has in her veins and she will shine forever. She said she probably won’t hit her as far as before, but at the end of the day, I’ll be back to say, she’s my superhero. Probably because of her and Lorena I’m here. Being able to share this with them, with her specifically, is amazing. “

Sorenstam retired from golf in 2008 to raise a family. And with her children Will and Ava watching, the 50-year-old finished three above her way home, admitting she will have to be more aggressive in the future.

While his return to the course caused a stir among his competitors, adjusting to the changes the Tour has undergone since he has been out was the biggest shock.

“I think the biggest thing I messed up was the practice of departure hours,” Sorenstam said. “I was told you were supposed to be ready by 7:00 on Saturday. I didn’t hear at 7:00. I just heard on Saturday. Somehow I messed it up.”
Sorenstam reacts to the first tee during the first round of the Gainnbridge LPGA Championship.

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

Still, 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 be playing. This is not a return. It’s an appearance. And I’m delighted with that. “

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Even first-round club leader Lydia Ko admitted she was a little stunned just to see Sorenstam do her thing.

“Viously, obviously, it’s great to see Annika and be in the group behind her, to see her hit a few shots,” Ko said. “I’ve always seen her on TV playing, and playing with her last Saturday and playing behind her I think is great.

“Hopefully, this will get our attention and hype back on the women’s tour and golf. I’m sure it won’t be easy for him to come back, especially after being retired for so long, but I think that’s a pretty big statement. “And yes, it ‘s definitely great to be in the same field as I think the GOAT.”

Jill Martin contributed to this report.

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