It has been almost 21 years since Annika Sörenstam has shot a 59. The best part is that she is the only women golfer to hit as low. Years later, young LPGA players still look up to Annika and her record score. Nevertheless, what does the GOAT herself thinks about it? What were her thoughts when she made that record?
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16th of March 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of Annika’s 13-under 59 in the second round of the Standard Register Ping. In an interview with Golf Digest, she shared what was happening in her mind when she shot the nearly impossible 59.
“It was just a lot more than just a round,” said Annika. She explained that she had hit 64 and 63 before, but that round was special.
Annika Sörenstam remembers the day she scored 59 as if it was yesterday!
Although it was the lowest she had ever scored, Annika explained that she didn’t do anything special that day. “I don’t remember hitting it exceptionally well in the range,” she said. “I don’t remember rolling more putts in the putting green, and I don’t remember feeling any particular… mindset.”
After she shot 4 consecutive birdies, Sörenstam explained that she asked her caddy how many birdies in a row has he seen before. Soon after, Annika helped him change his record as she scored 8 consecutive birdies.
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Since she didn’t want the pressure to affect her mentally, Annika explained she decided not to hit more birdies. And said to her caddy, “I’m ready for some pars now.” The golfer added that the move certainly helped her slow down.
Her dream score was lesser than 59!
She opted not to hit many birdies to set her mindset. However, Annika revealed that she thought 54 was possible if she could birdie every hole.
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Although she hit a lot of birdies that day, Sörenstam explained she was scared to do it at the 18th hole. Even when the GOAT was sharing her memory 20 years later, the excitement and nervousness were still visible in her eyes. Soon after she scored the last hole, Annika couldn’t hold her emotions and celebrated without thinking much.
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Sörenstam is an incredible golfer. She is the only women golfer to score a 59 in a round in a competition. The GOAT knew how to control her mindset and didn’t let the pressure overpower her.
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