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

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The 10-time major winner, who retired from golf in 2008, announced earlier this month that she would return to the Gainbridge LPGA Championship, which began on Thursday.

Sorenstam shot a 75 on her return and just staring at the 50-year-old shots and stepped on the fairways terrified some of the younger players.

Patty Tavatanakit – who won Sorenstam’s university event in Minnesota – said she felt “a little tiger” with her back, while Gaby Lopez called “a dream come true” to be in the same field as she.
“Just being with her gave me this kind of peaceful environment and reminded me how blessed and grateful I am to have this opportunity to compete with her, just because I remember Gaby, aged seven years, following her. the golf course to get a signed golf ball, “the Mexican golfer then told the press.

“Her role in this game, at this point in her career, I think, is just to inspire girls. I played with her at Diamond Resorts and I can tell you that she’s still as competitive as she was 20 years ago.

“You can see that her play is short; the putting is still active. That’s something she has in her veins and will shine forever. She said she probably doesn’t hit her 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. Being able to share this with them, with her specifically, is just incredible. “

Sorenstam gave up golf in 2008 to start a family. And with her children Will and Ava following them, the 50-year-old finished third over the course at home, acknowledging that she will have to be more aggressive in the future.

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

“I think the biggest thing I messed up was playing tee rounds,” Sorenstam said. “I was told you should be ready by 7:00 on Saturday. I didn’t hear at 7:00. I only heard on Saturday. I kind of confused that.”
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 and Danielle (Kang) on ​​Tuesday anyway. It was a little different, but you have to get used to these new rules. By the time I realize everything, I’m out of here.” .

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

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

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Even the leader of the first round club, Lydia Ko, admitted that he was somewhat amazed just to see Sorenstam doing her thing.

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

“We hope this brings us a lot of attention and hype back in the tournament and only in women’s golf. I’m pretty sure it’s not easy to come back, especially after she’s retired so much, but I think that’s a pretty big statement. And, yes, it’s definitely cool for me to be in the same field as I think the GOAT. “

Jill Martin contributed to this report.

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