Checking In

Some of you might be wondering where I have been over the past few weeks. I haven’t retired... I promise! As most of you know, I have been dealing with an injury that has left me unable to compete for the moment. I thought I would take this time off to update all of you on my injury and my plan to get better.

My neck had been bothering me since last year. I never worried too much about it, thinking it was simply kink or maybe a slightly pulled muscle. I continued to workout and practice almost daily, however the pain kept building and I knew something wasn't right. I worked hard in February and seemed ready to start the year in Mexico, where I played well. However, by Phoenix I found myself in the fitness trailer every morning and icing every evening. During the Kraft Nabisco, things just did not seem right and I kept telling Terry (my caddie) that I didn't feel like myself.

I was most excited about playing in the Ginn OPEN at Reunion. Ginn is a wonderful sponsor of mine, and Reunion is the location of my new school, the ANNIKA Academy. Not to mention that this is the only tournament that I play in my home town of Orlando! Unfortunately, during that week I had gotten to the point where I couldn't swing. I had pain shooting down through my right hand, along with a numb thumb. I struggled through the pro-am on Wednesday and went straight to the doctor following my press conference.

After an MRI (the very first one I have ever had), I was diagnosed with a badly ruptured C5-C6 disk in my neck, along with bulging T7. That did not mean much to me until the doctor told me that I would be unable to play for at least a month. That's when it hit me that my family, friends, advisors, and sponsors who had come in for the grand opening of my Academy would not see me play that week.

This injury was the first one of my career! Looking back, I realize how lucky I have been with my health. I have hit more balls than I can count, always workout hard and have traveled for years. Although I work to keep my body healthy and in shape, it undoubtedly suffers some "wear and tear." I suppose this goes with the territory.

I have been taking it easy over the past few weeks, going to doctor's appointments and working with my physical therapists. I know that everything happens for a reason and I have been able to take advantage of this downtime to focus and devote my attention to other things that are important to me, like my Academy, Foundation and Golf Course Design projects... along with friends and family.

I hope to return to competition for the tournament I host in South Carolina, The Ginn Tribute, Hosted by ANNIKA. I have received so many well wishes and I appreciate that everyone that kept me in their thoughts. I will keep all of you updated on my recovery and my plan for returning to competition. Until next time...