Annika Sorenstam Announces Retirement

Annika Sorenstam on Tuesday announced the she will retire from tournament golf at the end of the 2008 season. Her final tournament will be the Dubai Ladies Masters, a Ladies European Tour tournament in December.

The move certainly provides an initial shock, without any forewarning of the specific timing of the announcement, and by a player who appears on the verge of being back on top of her game following injuries and two down years. Yet, it's also not completely surprising, given that Sorenstam has spoken frequently of her desire to start a family, and that she has a burgeoning business empire - not to mention, a wedding to plan. (She's engaged to Mike McGee, son of former PGA Tour pro Jerry McGee.) She's 37 years old - 38 at the end of the year - she's getting married, and it's time to focus on things outside of competitive golf.

Sorenstam will leave a legacy of great play, great sportsmanship and great passion for the game. She'll retire as one of only three women golfers with more than 70 LPGA Tour victories. With at least 10 major championships. With a slew of scoring titles and money titles and Player of the Year Awards. Looking over her accomplishments on the course, the worst that can be said about her standing among LPGA greats is that she is very near the top of the list. (My answer to the poll question is a resounding "yes.")

Said Annika at her news conference:

"I think I've achieved more than I ever thought I could. I have given it all, and it's been fun.

... "I'm leaving the game on my terms."

Sorenstam will be sorely missed in tournament golf, but her accomplishments will never be forgotten, and I'm sure that she'll continue in some fashion to have an impact on the game she loves.

What They're Saying

Transcript: Annika's retirement announcement

About Annika Sorenstam

Annika Sorenstam biography

Annika Sorenstam pictures

Annika by the numbers

Rankings: Top 50 women golfers of all-time

See also:

• AP: Sorenstam to retire this year