ORLANDO, Fla. – As Annika Sorenstam waited for a putt on Sunday ‘s 72nd hole at Gainbridge LPGA, she watched as the names were scratched on the electronic board. Hers was at the bottom.
But Sorenstam’s return on the LPGA Tour was never about the score. It wasn’t about whether she made the cut. It was a benefit that she made the cut, not only for Sorenstam but for golf fans who saw her play the weekend for the first time in 13 years. That was good for the game. And that was what Sorenstam ‘s return was about.
“I’m very tired, I’m tired. I handed it over, ”Sorenstam said in the final 76.” The more I think about it, and once it sinks, I think it will be a big smile on my face. “
We may never know the reasons behind Sorenstam ‘s return to the LPGA. She said she wanted to use the week to get some experience back inside the ropes, in preparation for the U.S. Women’s Open, which she hopes to play this summer. Expect it or not, Sorenstam ‘s output will have a far – reaching impact – beyond just a chance to get producers.
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Before Sorenstam started her third round at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, she handed a signed golf ball to 8-year-old fan Caitlyn, who was standing next to the ropes. Members of Lake Nona and player guests were allowed on site during the week. Caitlyn’s smile was covered with the bright pink mask she wore over her face, but her eyes told the story. Caitlyn is also a golfer, and the moment that Sorenstam created, with that little movement, will be with her for the rest of her life. That’s what Sorenstam’s return was all about.
“If I can help someone else to bring their dream to life,” Sorenstam said on Sunday, fighting back tears. “I think that just makes more sense than anything. ”
Caitlin was not the only one to encourage the return of Sorenstam. The women who competed on the LPGA Tour were once young girls, too, and many were inspired to build a club first after taking a look at the top 10-time champion. At Lake Nona, they had the opportunity to compete with the woman they watched on television.
“I really appreciate it,” said her Swede consortium Anna Nordqvist, who was joined by Sorenstam for the first two rounds. “This is definitely one of the most memorable trips of my career.”
Most of the players currently touring did not get a chance to compete against Sorenstam in its lead. Nelly Korda, this week’s Gainbridge LPGA winner, was 10 years old when Sorenstam retired in 2008. Sorenstam’s return was a re-introduction of sorts for the mainstream players, to experience the it is not only the myth but the man.
“That means a lot,” said Sorenstam, with tears growing up in her eyes, as she found out about how the players saw her return. “I think my heart is almost warming up. ”
The week also gave Sorenstam a chance to experience the next generation in a new way. A third of the field at GainGA LPGA came through Annika Foundation events as amateurs, including Kristen Gillman, a two-time U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, played alongside Sorenstam on Saturday. Sorenstam had the opportunity to get to know the amateur professionals who benefited from its foundation. That’s what Sorenstam’s return was all about.
“I work with so many of them and golf still plays a big part in my life,” said Sorenstam. “I love being back in the game. ”
Sorenstam may have come back as well because she wanted to be able to show her children, Ava and Will, what it was like when their mother competed on a trip. Both were born after her retirement. To celebrate her mother’s return, Ava hand-made t-shirts for family and friends to show their support. And every night, after the round, Will would go hole-in-hole with his mother to come up with a plan for the next day. Their precious thoughts on mom’s performance, smiling, and walking with mama between holes, would be reason enough for Sorenstam to give this another try.
“I want them to see when you’re really interested in something and also what it takes to be good at something,” Sorenstam said of her children watching her during the week. “They get the passion. Knowing that you have to submit the work to be successful. That is what it will bring. ”
The energy surrounding Sorenstam’s return was incredible, on site among the players, members and media alike. And, certainly felt by young golfers like Caitlyn, who walked alongside Annika at Lake Nona while other young girls watched from home. That’s good for the game. And so was the return of Sorenstam.