Annika Sorenstam has an exceptional professional resume thanks to her many accomplishments. Among these noteworthy performances, Sorenstam also has three US Women’s Open titles to her name, which is, of course, no ordinary feat to achieve. Thus, it became a prominent moment on July 7th, when the star professional bid adieu to this eminent era of her career, taking on the US Women’s Open’s greens for perhaps the last time.

Although her retirement from the event wasn’t an ideal one because of her 15-over-par finish and early exit from the major, the spectators were more than happy to see the star play one last time at the US Open. And what followed was even more touching: a bittersweet announcement from the 52-year-old!

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Annika Sorenstam delivers a poignant announcement following her 2023 US Women’s Open finish

Thanks to the special exemption Annika Sorenstam received from the USGA, she was able to play at the illustrious Pebble Beach. However, the 2003 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee struggled from the start to try and tame the golf course. The first round witnessed her finishing at 80, which gave her an uphill battle on Friday to overcome. Alas! Sorenstam wasn’t able to conquer this battle and failed to make the cut at her last US Women’s Open.

After the conclusion of Round 2, it was not the 15-over-par score that mattered; rather, the audience and other professionals were happy with Sorenstam’s presence at the iconic course itself. However, soon that happiness was pushed aside, all thanks to the golf pro’s bittersweet news during the post-tournament press meet.

When asked about when the golf audience would next see the icon on the course, Sorenstam replied that she would only be participating in a few more tournaments this year, including the US Senior Women’s Open. She further added, “I’m playing next week in a celebrity event in Tahoe, so I have two tournaments on the schedule, and I’m hoping to pair up with this young man at the PNC maybe in December, but that’s about it.”

The last four words were enough to evoke poignant emotions among Sorenstam fans. Though the 72-time LPGA Tour winner will compete until December 2023, there is no timeline for her appearance on the greens after that. Nonetheless, the 2023 US Women’s Open, a tournament that is close to Sorenstam’s heart, got to bid an emotional goodbye to the golfer.

The heart-warming farewell received by the 10-time major championship winner

As Annika Sorenstam took the club in her hand for the final fairway, a sea of spectators followed her. They crowded around the gallery ropes so as not to miss even a single shot. What could be a greater achievement for a star than this? Perhaps nothing! The wave of excited golf enthusiasts depicted exactly how much of a mark the golfer had left in the sport.

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Not only this, Sorenstam was honored by the USGA CEO, Mike Whan, himself. He presented a big bouquet to the golf icon, who was surrounded by her family and fellow golfers. Apart from the 10-time major winner, another former LPGA star also bid goodbye to the tournament. It was the 2014 US Women’s Open winner, Michelle Wie West!

It was an emotional moment for both golfers, who have contributed a lot to the game and been integral parts of major championships. However, even if Sorenstam takes off the cap of the golfer, she has other responsibilities to shoulder. As a matter of fact, the 52-year-old hosts the Scandinavian Mixed on the LET and DP World Tours. This is one of many obligations that Sorenstam has.

So, even if we do not get to see her take on the greens after December 2023, her association with the game will always showcase her presence. What do you think of Annika Sorenstam’s latest announcement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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