Annika Sorenstam is a golfer known for her incredible 72 wins in LPGA Tours and a warm-loving heart. The golfer was seen at the fields of the U.S. Women’s Senior Open with husband, Mike McGee. The pair was wearing purple in the X post made by McGee. But why are we telling you that? Well, there’s a story behind it. 

In a heartfelt post, McGee explained the reason behind their choice of color. They chose the color to show support for Bill Kirkwood, the men’s and women’s golf coach at Mount Union, who is bravely battling cancer. The post’s caption read, “First round of the #USSeniorWomensOpen has begun. We have a great pairing of Jill McGill and Lotta Neumann. Beautiful day. @USGA @ANNIKA59 and I are wearing purple for @mountunion men’s and women’s golf coach, Bill Kirkwood who is battling cancer. ❤️🙏”. Yes, that’s right. The man who has given nothing but his expertise to the golf world is going through this dreadful disease.

Kirkwood is a seasoned coach who has spent over two decades guiding golfers to success. He has done some quite amazing work in his career. As an assistant coach for the Purple Raiders, he helped lead the women’s team to two Ohio Athletic Conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Not only that, he also helped the men’s team secure a second-place conference finish. Golf has been a part of Kirkwood’s life ever since he was a kid. 

As a kid, he caddied at Oakwood Country Club in Cleveland, and he started teaching youth the game at Riceland Golf Course’s junior program as an adult. As the head coach at Mount Union, Kirkwood continued to inspire many young talents to find their place in the golf industry. But how does the couple know Kirkwood? Read further and find out!

How does Annika Sorenstam and her husband know Bill Kirkwood?

 At the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, Kirkwood was appointed as a marshal on hole 9. And in a surprising turn of events, Annika Sorenstam was playing the tournament as well. After that, they formed a bond that is working as a support system for Kirkwood. Sorenstam had won the 2021 U.S. Women’s Senior Open. However, fate had other plans for her at the 2022 event. 

Sorenstam finished at a score of 13 over par and missed the cut at the Pine Needles and Lodge Golf Club. Although, she didn’t win the tournament, what she did win was fans support, who were just happy to see her play. Kirkwood wasn’t the only Mount Union connection there. Sorenstam’s husband, Mike McGee, is also a Mount Union graduate! Yes, that’s right. Fate has its one way of playing tricks. McGee graduated in 1997 and now he is the managing director of the Annika brand. This was not the first time Sorenstam wore purple to show her support for Kirkwood. She had also done it earlier this year at the Invite Celebrity Classic. 

While the pair supports Bill Kirkwood with social media posts, let us also take a moment and wish him a speedy recovery in the comment section below. We’re all rooting for you, Coach Kirkwood!