Lexus cup finale...

Despite a valiant effort by our International Team today, we fell short in the third annual Lexus Cup.  I’m proud of our girls for hanging in there.  At one point this afternoon it looked as though we could pull off a miracle, however in the end the deficit was too much to overcome.  I would like to congratulate Se Ri and the Asian team on a well earned victory.  Also, it should be noted that Suzann couldn’t play today due to a hip injury and Se Ri agreed to sit out due to her shoulder injury and halve the point.  I thought that was a classy move on her part!

We have had a very enjoyable week in Western Australia.  The crowds were fantastic and Lexus and IMG put on a wonderful event.  Hopefully, we’ll be able to get the Cup back next year.  I want to thank our entire team, including caddies, and everyone else who made the trip and contributed to some excellent memories....like holding a baby Kangaroo!! 

Comments

[Susan]

What a cute photo !! I didn't know they were so people friendly. Good effort today. Better luck next time.

[Golf54deciple]

Glad you all got to experience Austrailia. thanks for your galant effort.

[Disappointed]

Really dismayed and disappointed in your unfriendliness towards spectators today - particularly on the 16th. Realise you're under pressure but being in the public eye you need to be able to control the stress as it affects your image when you're rude. Shame because I think you're a phenomenal person.

[Dora]

What is important is that you all did your best but as you said, the deficit was too much to overcome. You win some and lose some, that's the way it is. I am sure next year will be different.

[kathnmtpsc]

Annika, congrats to the international team for giving it their all.I kept up with scores on real time and near the end there was a chance you could have pulled off the ultimate upset. Another time. The photo with you and baby kangaroo is adorable. Your a "natural." On to Dubai, the land of money. Have a safe trip and thanks for the blog. PS Mike this ones for you, GO STEELERS!

[Peg]

Annika,
Great win in singles match. Did you eagle the 14th hole (the one has tree in fairway)? They had 2 for you on scorecard.
It was tough following on the computer. They didn't update for 1/2 hr. to 1 hr. a couple of times.
Anyway, the International team gave it's all. Better luck next year.

[Steve]

Annika,
Somewhat off topic but because of your dual citizenship, I would think you would be eligable to play for either the US or Europe in the Solheim cup. Would there ever be a scenario where you might consider playing on the US side?

And since I am off topic, one more question. I "borrowed" your putting style a few years ago and that, plus lots of practice, did wonders for my short game. I was recently reading your book again and you mention the drill that cured your reverse C and gave you your signature look ahead move. Could you point me to somplace that gives more detailed instruction on that drill.

Thanks and best of luck for the 2008 season.
Steve

[Mike McGee]

Thanks for the Steelers well wishes...Wow...they got crushed!! We got up and saw they were only down one in the second quarter. By the time we got back from the gym and breakfast they were getting drilled!!

[Greg]

Disappointed, I think your comments are way off base. I saw Annika play the past three days and she went out of her way to sign tons of autographs. She also finished her match yesterday and went out and cheered on her teammates. I work with Lexus and at the function we had last evening, she signed autographs and took photos with people for over an hour. Until you walk in her shoes and have to deal with thousands of people sticking stuff in your face to be signed signed each day and bumping into you, perhaps you should refrain from judgement. She is nothing but class!

[parsaregood]

I am surprised about disappointed comments. I have been a volunteer all week and I saw nothing but a friendly Annika all week. As a matter of fact, she even signed extra autographs to my granddaughter and her friend. I hope you ladies come back next year.

[Mike McGee]

Peg, Annika did not make an eagle on 14. The hole was conceded after Candie hit her second shot off of a tree and into the woods on the left side, then hit her third shot across the fairway into a bush on the right, and Annika was right beside the green in two.

[Mike McGee]

Greg, thanks for last night...it was a terrific evening! Thanks for your kind words about Annika as well. Play well in the pro-am today.

[kathnmtpsc]

annika and mike, another loss for the steelers but the play offs will cause them to rise to the occasion , just wait. thanks greg and parsaregood for giving proof that annika is as we all know her.when i read the blog by disappointed i was surprised.i met annika in oct of 2006 for a promo for ginn tournament in SC.she was friendly and not fake. take this blog, you do not gain financially, you do it to share your love for golf.thank you and mike. if i may ask a corny request, my 50th birthday is monday the 10th and even at that age it would be a thrill to have a birthday wish from you.

[Peg]

Thanks Mike for clearing situation eagle on 14th hole. You and Annika make a great team and I was so happy that you're getting married.
Good Luck Annika next week in Dubai Ladies Masters.

[Jimmy]

I am not all that surprised that the Internationals got beat soundly by the Asians. It is clear that the Asians consider this event their "Solheim Cup" and their intensity levels showed accordingly. The Internationals, on the other hand, thought this was a tournament to just have some fun and team up with players they would normally not team up with. With that kind of a spirit and attitude, the Internationals can plan on getting beat many more times in the future. In fairness to the Internationals, this event simply will never hold the luster of the Solheim Cup--the Americans and Europeans will never see each other as true teammates as long as they are at each other's throats and hair in the Solheim Cup. I could never see a Dottie Pepper, or even a Juli Inskster, playing alongside Annika and European company. Thank you Annika for committing to this event in its early years, but I fear for its stature once you are gone.

[Mike McGee]

Thanks Kath and Peg for your kind words. I'm happy we're getting married too...I'm a lucky guy!!
We're at the airport now headed for Dubai. It's about a 10 hour flight and we arrive early Tuesday morning. Annika has a challenge match at noon...no rest for the weary!

[Annika]

Disappointed,
I am sorry you feel that way. Fans are very important and I always try to do my best to sign, take photos and acknowledges them. I hope next time will be a better experience for you.

[Kathy]

When Annika looked my 16 year old son in the eye and smiled twice at him at the LPGA Championship it was better than any aknowlegement she could have given this "star-struck" old woman (me).
By the way, Annika 2008 will be your year! I can hardly wait.

[Andrew]

Annika - you are a true sportsman. I can't believe anyone would consider you anything but. I am a big fan of the LPGA and am sadden that the season is already over until next year. The current Hall of Famers - you, Karrie, Juli, and Se Ri are my favorite players. I root for each of you at every tournament. Thanks for your insight on this event - I enjoyed reading them. All of the ladies who participated are nothing but class. I am excited for an exciting LPGA season next year and wish you huge success!

[Pam]

Annika,

Just to say congrats, as you did the effort and as some up there said is actually for fun, nobody likes to lose, never, but thats life thats golf and maybe next year... Its not big deal, and well.. for those that can be dissapointed, (weird is just one person complaining), golf players are human beings, persons, as we are... so .. even I doubt abt Annika just couldnt be more friendly to your taste .. I can understand if she just didnt meant to not be highly smiling when you are losing, but Im sure there are thousand more good and supportive comments abt the great player and person Annika is .. aside silly complains when a fan dont get whole attetion as he/she would selfishly demand from players, players are person, remember?..

Whatever, Im just waiting ANNIKA for next season to start and to see you around.. All luck and of course.. Its better to have good thoughts and feeling to everyone, so Merry Christmas to you, Mike, everybody in the Academy and everyone in here around that mostly come to support you..

Note: You too are a very classy person, and Im sure everyone around LPGA is grateful to see that in a player with your success and personality..

[The Welsh One]

Hi Annika
I was wondering why Karrie Webb wasn't playing especially with it being in Aus, and she being their no 1 player? Good luck for Dubai, a win will set you up great for next year and then look out Lorena!!

[Golf54deciploe]

Been pondering "Disappointed's" comments and even "Jimmy's" (above) and wondered if we "fans" try to have it both ways.

That is, we want undivided attention on one hand, but seem to forget that with golf more than any other activity it takes a lot to stay focused. So do we want to see Annia reach the Ms/Mrs 54 or not? Do we want her to win all 4 Majors in a single season or not? She's promised to "go hard in 2008". My goodness, what will that take? A NEW level that none of us have seen before??

We want to see lots of smiles (NO MATTER the situation) but then we say "well so-n-so sure doesn't seem to be "serious" about winning this tournament" when ever we see the golfers enjoying themselves!!

When Annika suffered the injuries, it was reported that the plan for recovery was a three-fold one. Relieve the pain, regain strenth, and "harden her to competition".

Clearly we can see two of the three are well on the way, and I wonder if the "harden to competition is the most challenging of the three. Seems like this phase would require a lot of the mental, emotional and Spririt of the Game part of the personality.

Speaking for myself, I'm looking forward to "whatever" good comes from "she's going hard in 2008" that Annika can muster. How often have you every heard someone of Annikas stature talk about the total investment of themselves in a process putting all the eggs in one basket and selling out.

As for me and my house we will continue to believe and continue to speak words of life concerning her.

I'm just so impressed in Mikes' total willingness to encourage her with all his soul, and for the other family/friends and special team members that are doing the same. The rewards will be great for them as well I'm sure!!

[Peg]

In the picture Annika holding baby Kangaroo, there is story behind it. If you go lpga.com click on "the insider" there is another better picture Annika holding baby Kangaroo.

Speaking of kangaroos this is a good story. After yesterday's press conference, Cristie Kerr came to the interview room and summoned Annika Sorenstam and Natalie Gulbis back to their team lounge because someone had a baby kangaroo in there. Come to find out this baby kangaroo was rescued after its momma had been hit by a car and someone has been taking care of it and nursing it every four hours. So they brought the kangaroo to the course to show both teams.

Can I post the link picture of Annika holding baby Kangaroo??????

[Ron P.]

Anika, most of us believe you are a credit to the sports world, a credit to the game of golf, and a very special person. We look forward to seeing you back on the top of your game in 2008 and a challenger to Lorena. I personally believe the woman's game can be more popular than the men's game-if the top 10 women players step up, dedicate themselves to the game like you do, and really challenge each other towards greatness in the game. The personalities are there; the public will enbrace it when it happens.

[Mike McGee]

Peg,

You're exactly right about the kangaroo. If you would like to post the photo, go ahead. The one on our page is my amateur work. :)

Thanks!

[Mike McGee]

Golf54deciple, thanks once again for the kind words. WE appreciate your support!!

[Mike McGee]

Pam, thanks for your comments. Annika and I wish you a Happy Holidays as well!! :)

[Mike McGee]

Ron P...I agree with you. The LPGA is easily the second rated product on the Golf Channel. I'm not sure the LPGA could ever surplant the PGA TOUR, but it sure is a fun time to be a fan!! Next year should be better than ever!!

[Mike McGee]

Steve, Annika can only play for Europe because that is where she is from.

Henri started getting her to "walk through" the shot with her right foot to get her to get through the ball and finish on her left side. Almost like Gary Player. She then shortened it to looking ahead just before impact and started "striping it." When she went back to her original swing, she didn't think she hit it as solidly, therefore she's stuck with it. So much for the most overated amateur comment in golf..."I didn't keep my head down." :)

[Peg]

Thanks Mike!
Another picture of Annika holding a baby Kangaroo. I hope this works.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/tedxyz/japan-106_350px.jpg

[Disappointed]

Yeah hopefully it will! Best wishes for a healthy and successful 2008 and keep bringing out the clothing line - its fantastic!!
Not-so Disappointed.