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via Getty

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via Getty

When people think of Annika Sörenstam, the first things that come to mind are likely her legendary golf career, numerous accolades, and all those remarkable achievements on the course. But behind all the fame and success, supporting her every step of the way, is Mike McGee—the man who has been by her side both as her husband and the father of their two children, Ava and Will.

Mike is a bit more under the radar than Sörenstam, but he’s far from absent in their lives. Son of former PGA Tour and Champions Tour player Jerry McGee, Mike’s own golfing career might not have hit the same heights as Sörenstam’s, but he’s carved out a significant role in the golf world. Today, he’s the managing director for the ANNIKA brand, overseeing the business side while Sörenstam continues to inspire with her on-course performances.

While Sörenstam’s made her mark as a golf icon, Mike’s role has been more behind the scenes, and he’s totally okay with that. He’s often vocal about how proud he is of Sörenstam, expressing his admiration on social media. On their 14th wedding anniversary, Mike posted a photo of the two of them with a simple but sweet caption: “Thank you for always completing my heart and filling it with love and sunshine,” the caption said.  Simple, but it says a lot about the bond they share.

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Mike’s quiet support has been a big factor in Sörenstam’s success, and he’s always been there for her, whether that’s managing the business or being an involved dad and husband. But beyond the professional side, Mike is also a hands-on father, especially when it comes to his son, Will.

Mike is also an amazing father

Mike’s life took a big turn when he became a father. He and Sörenstam have two children: Ava Madelyn, born in 2009, and William Nicholas (Will), born in 2011. Will, especially, is starting to make some noise in the golf world, even at his young age. Born 13 weeks premature, he’s grown into an impressive young athlete. At just 13, he became the youngest ever to play in the PNC Championship. His skills and charm have already caught people’s attention—especially after he interviewed Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, during the 2023 tournament.

For Mike, being there for Will is a top priority. He’s actively involved in Will’s journey, whether that’s at a tournament or practicing on the course. Mike was right there during Will’s appearance at the 2023 PNC Championship, and after the event, he shared his pride on social media. “Well our favorite week of the year delivered. I’m so proud of Will & how he handled everything. He is special on & off the course, just like his mom,” Mike posted on X.

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Is Mike McGee the unsung hero behind Annika Sörenstam's success and their son's rising golf career?

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Mike’s role in Will’s golf journey extends beyond just cheering from the sidelines. He’s often the one walking the course as Will’s caddie. In fact, during the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour Championship, Mike and Sörenstam split caddie duties, each bringing their own expertise. Will himself pointed out that Mike’s experience on the greens gives him an edge when it comes to reading putts, thanks to all the time he spent caddying for Annika Sörenstam. “So it’s a little different,” Will said.I’d say Dad is a little bit better on the greens for reading. And then whenever there’s football on the weekends, it’s like a Sunday, there’s football, and so my mom never let me check the scores or whatever, and my dad would. So it’s fun.”

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As Will gets older, Mike’s approach as a caddie is shifting.“Before, he’d be excited and giddy, and I could wind him up, ‘Buddy, how cool is this?’ ‘Yeah, it’s awesome,'” Mike said. “Now if I say, isn’t this great? ‘Dad, come on, dad, be quiet; dad, put the fries back in the bag’—that’s the new thing. He’s a typical teenager.” This little glimpse into their father-son dynamic shows just how much Will is growing, while Mike adjusts to the changing pace.

It’s clear Mike’s all in when it comes to Will’s golf journey. As a dad, he’s got the perfect mix of support, pride, and knowing when to take a step back and let Will figure things out. Whether he’s caddying for him, cheering him on, or handling the family business, Mike’s a key player in keeping everything running smoothly. With Will following in Sörenstam’s footsteps, it’s safe to say Mike’s support will be a big part of their success for years to come.

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Is Mike McGee the unsung hero behind Annika Sörenstam's success and their son's rising golf career?

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