An Important Announcement

Good afternoon everyone.

I would like to share some information that may come as a shock to some of you.  After serious consideration, I have made the decision to step away from competitive golf at the end of this season.  This has been on my mind for a while and recently it has become obvious that the timing is right for me.  I still love the competition and winning tournaments, but the daily demands and amount of time required to stay near the top have become more than I desire. 

I feel like I am doing this on my own terms, and I have many other dreams and passions that I would like to pursue.  It is time for me to try and achieve more in other facets of life, and in the years to come I will be committed to getting married, starting a family, growing the game of golf, giving back to others, and the expansion of the ANNIKA brand of businesses, which currently includes the ANNIKA Academy, Annika Foundation, Golf Course Design projects around the world, the ANNIKA Collection with Cutter & Buck, and the hosting of tournaments and events.  Golf has given me an incredible platform and I plan to use it to inspire others and though I will not be inside the ropes, I will still be very active in the game through my sponsors and other golfing initiatives.

I feel it is important for me to pay the proper respect to the LPGA and our fans by announcing my decision as early as possible this season. When I have considered this decision in the past, it has always been important to me that the women’s game be strong.  Well, I can assure you that I have never felt better about the state of our game.  It is in the very capable hands of many talented players and a very committed Commissioner that really cares about us and our growth.  As I look back at the past 15 years, the experience almost feels like a dream.  I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible and I have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people that have touched my life along the way.  I would like to thank Mike, my parents, my sister, my agent Mark, my caddie Terry, my coaches Henri and Kai, the ANNIKA team members, my friends, my sponsors and my fans. That being said, there is still a lot of golf left this year.  My focus the next seven months is to continue winning tournaments, including some majors! 

Thanks again for you support!”

--Annika

Comments

[Corina Black]

Congratulations on a wonderful career and good luck to a strong finish. Would love to see more LPGA action in Colorado, plus what about an Annika Academy location in Colorado!!

Corina Black
Lakewood, Colorado

[Caisa]

Lycka till Annika!! I have loved watching you play! Tack så mycket!

[Liz Torres]

Annika,

You are and always will be the best that ever played the game. I am just thankful and priviledged that I had the opportunity to meet and speak to you on 2 occassions and that you accomplished this in my lifetime.

You are simply the BEST--in everything.

I know that you will now have the type of life that you truly deserve-HAPPINESS ALWAYS!!!!

[ivybelle1]

I'm sad to see you go, but I'm glad that you are doing it on your own terms. This is absolutely the best way to go out: on top.
In 1999, people wondered why Steffi Graf retired after battling back from injuries to win the French Open and reach the Wimbledon Final of that year. She had more in life that she wanted to do, and she had nothing left to prove in her tennis career.
That's how I feel about your retirement, Annika.

I'm looking forward to a great year in women's golf.
Thank you for your class, and your strength.

Best of luck, to the best there ever was.

[Thomasine Wolff]

Tack för inspirationen och lycka till med ditt nya liv och nya utfordringar.

It's been a pleasure to watch you over the years, I will miss you as will millions of other female (and male) golfers all over the world.

Stor kram!

[Peggy]

I'm sad. You are the reason I watch golf. Best wishes to you in all your future endeavors.
Peggy

[Annika the Cat]

Hi Annika,

Next year you will need to update us as to your typical day. You wrote back to me and said “It sounds like your day is more fun and exciting then mine...life as a cat must be nice. My cats can relate.” So guess what – you now too will relate. More good, exciting times are still come. They just will be different.

All the best and thanks for always giving us your very best!!!

[Janet]

Thank you for everything you've done for golf and the Tour. Through watching you play over the years, thank you for making the average-Jane like me, love the game (almost!) as much as you.

All the best in your future endeavours. You will be greatly missed every week!

[Peter]

Annika,

Thanks for all you've given us over the years. Looking forward to follow your continued journey outside the ropes.

I wish you all the best for the future and good luck with the rest of this season.

Take care
Peter
Örebro, Sweden

PS. Should you ever visit Örebro I'll be happy to buy you a pint o Guinness (or two)

[Dee Hanscom]

I did post my initial reaction to your retirement in another thread, but would like to add a couple of thoughts. It would have been great to have a player and person of your stature prove that a woman can continue her pro golf career and have a family like the men do. You have strengthened women and the LPGA in many other ways however, so I guess that one cannot expect everything from one player. It is just that the chances of another female player like you coming along any time soon are slim. You will be missed in a big way as the player and role model that you are. Thanks for all the wonderful golf and inspiration that you have provided.

[Howard & Helen]

Ever since Helen's time at the Academy we have developed a very special bond with you and the entire Academy Team. This relationship has brought new energy to our lives. We really enjoy following your exploits. That being said, we understand completely your desire to retire on your own terms. You deserve that. You will go down in history as the greatest women's golfer of all time. So, we just want to say very simply, congratulations on your great career. We will miss you on the golf course, but we will follow you for as long as we live. You have found a great mate in Mike. God Bless! We will see you both at the ADT.

[Soo Hong (Singapore)]

Hi Annika,

You are the main reason for me watching LPGA tournaments. I just LOVE your golf swing (seemingly so effortless and fluid) and your course demeanour (confident and sporty).

I have the great honor of meeting you twice in Singapore (Lexus Cup and HSBC Women Champions) and have you autographed my Callaway Cap and your golf book.

I respect your decision at this point in time and wishing you all the best. To me you are the best golfer (male or female)!!!

[tj]

I hope you're right about the state of the LPGA but from where I sit I don't see anybody with the star quality that I saw in you back at the Women's Open on Thursday in 95.

Hope you enjoy your life after the LPGA but I also hope you return, at least for a week, at the Women's US Open in Oakmont. I remember reading that you said it was your favorite course(at least at that time) in the world.

[Leslie]

Annika,
I think I am going to cry!!! Lol. Seriously!!! You are the reason I started playing golf when I was in junior high. It has been AWESOME to get to watch you throughout your career. In my opinion there will never be another like you. You will forever be the best in the women's game!!! Goodluck with everything in your future! Thanks for some wonderful wonderful golf!!!

[Penny Johnson]

Annika,
I will admit to a few tears while watching your press comments on the golf channel. I was suprised to say the least but understand your desire to have a more balanced life. I have worked with elite and professional athletes over my 30 year career and I must say that you have and do exemplifiy everything that is good about athletes. Congrats on an extraordinary career and I will continue to watch every tournament with heartfelt gratitude for what you have done for women's golf and womens sports in general. You are always classy and always understated.

[Leslie]

May I add to my above comment that you will forever be the best in THE game, not just women's.

[Olivia]

noooo!!!

I am sad to hear this news! But I know this is probably for the best and good for you for leaving on your own terms and on top!

You are the only reason why I follow LPGA...it's gonna be hard to find another inspiring golfer like yourself so I can continue to follow lpga!

Wishing you, Mike and your family all the best!!!

[Tony Catalano]

Congradulations on your accomplishments. What you have did for Golf in general is something else. You have without a doubt urned the right to retirement at 37..AWESOME... Goodluck with your marriage and future family.
P.S. Keep a eye out for the name Hailey Catalano, my eight year old daughter. She has the number 59 in her sites in the future to come.

God Bless

The Catalano's
Loveland, Colorado

[Robert (Minneapolis)]

Annika:

I think you just gave every other LPGA player a sigh of relief. Now they might have a chance to win once in awhile!! :)

Thankfully, my son (age 10) and I will be able to see you play one last time next month at Interlachen for the Open. I'm even skipping my company sales meeting in Chicago to see you. Now, I'm certainly glad I will be seeing you rather than trying to keep up with all those young kids partying on Rush Street. To me, this will be a lot more fun, and certainly more memorable.

I think it was wise of you to announce it now, rather than wait until the end of the year. This way, seeing you one last time will be all the more special for your devoted fans.

You'll have to keep your blog going though, so we can satisfy our Annika fix!! :)

I can't wait to eat at the new Annika Restaurant in Orlando. When does it open?!!!

Wishing you and your soon-to-be growing family all the best.

Good luck the rest of the year and my son and I will certainly be cheering for you in late June!!

Incidentally, and obviously expected since it is the Open, the course will be longer and a lot harder than it was for the Solheim!

[Marg & Cherry (UK)]

We quite understand your decision - we knew it had to happen sometime - and we do wish you and Mike well - but right now we are really, really sad....
Your golf has brought us great enjoyment and you have been so generous and courteous to us, your devoted fans; following you and your career has been such a pleasure. Thank you for all the autographs, the photographs, and for setting the bar so high for womens golf - both inside and outside the ropes. We will continue to enjoy your golf for the rest of this year - thank goodness we have booked our tickets for the British Open and the ADT! As always, we wish you well in all your future ventures.

[Elaine]

Hi Annika,

Can't say I'm surprised that after your rout in Kingsmill you HAVE made this (very, very sad)decision. You really had nothing else to prove to us your fans. Only to yourself after that horrendous injury.

You'll have to come across the pond now - to Portmarnock in Dublin to say goodbye to your Irish fans. Well a girl gotta ask/try!!!!

All the best of rest of 2008. Going to sit back and saviour more Vintage Annika!!!!

Take care.

Elaine.

[Angie D]

Annika,

Good for you!!! You have had an incredible run in the game of golf, and now you can comfortably and peacefully embrace a new and exciting chapter of your life of starting a family. You have meant so much to us all and you are forever the brightest star of women's golf and an inspiration to all. Coming from a mom who is crazy about her kids, I am excited for you and I know first hand, what you and Mike have to look forward to in starting a family. Thank you for the person you are and all you have done for the game of golf!!! It has been our pleasure watching and cheering for you, we will continue to do so.

hugs,
Angie, Maddy and Jacks

[Lars]

Tack Annika!

För fantastiska prestationer, skön sving och mycket glädje. Du har alltid inspirerat och varit föremål för golfsamtal både hemma och på arbetet.

Lycka till med allt!

Lars
Uppsala

[Connie]

I t's very sad for your fans to hear of your retirement, but not really so surprising because you have always had your priorities in the right place. You have been amazing for womens golf. Thank goodness we have been lucky enough to see you play in person and get some autographs and pictures ( which are proudly displayed n our house) Having a family will give you more joy than you can possibly know! Good luck with the rest of the season and please keep all your fans posted, we love reading about you.

[John]

It's a sad day for women's golf but a happy day for you and all you plan to do.

You have truly been a classy lady and great golfer.

I wish you well in your life outside the ropes.

[Judy McHugh]

Dear Annika:
Thank you so much for all the years of not only your golf but also for your grace and sportsmanship. It was a joy to see you play. I know you will bring that same drive and commitment to all your future endeavors. We are all better for having you to emulate. We now can learn how to retire with class.
Best Wishes for your upcoming marriage.

[Steve Wozeniak PGA]

We will be waiting for the next little Annika's coming along to the PGA or LPGA Tour's in about 20 years from now???!!!

Good luck in all your new endeavor's

Steve Wozeniak.

[Jill]

Good Afternoon Annika,

What a blow.

We've been watching you play for over a decade and you have given us all so much joy.

So to have you come back to this point only to leave is so bittersweet but like all your other fans I understand. I'm just being selfish.

I can tell you that being a mom is the absolute best thing in the world - I am so lucky to have been able to share you with my daughter Monica, watching Annika play golf together - high fives on the good shots - continued support during the lows.

I said the other day - happy and healthy put you above all the rest. It's so true - it's why you can leave this part of the game behind and succeed at other things.

All the best to you...

I'll need to get a few more autographs from you - and I want Monica to meet you in person - so I am hoping we'll see you in Northern Cal at Blackhawk and over at Kapalua in Maui.

Oh and kick some butt in Jersey.

[Buzz]

The World will never see another champion as great and glorious as you are, and have been.
You did it all, and you did it right.
Congratulations for what you have done; and Best Wishes for what you are about to do.

[Shad Derrick]

Annika, the news of your retirement blew me away. It is very saddening and also joyful.I know you are looking forward to your life after (playing) golf with Mike and hopefully a little Annika or Mike to be a future golfing legend. I wish you the very best and will miss watching you greatly. Im still looking forward to you having a great "going away" season and to seeing you again this year in Charleston SC. Thanks for the great moments you've shared with the fans for the past 10 plus years.

[B. K.]

Annika,
As a fan, I'm saddened that this season is the last we wil get to see you play. But I am so happy that you are leaving on your own terms- healthy and happy! I am also really happy for you and Mike. You have found a great partner for life and I know you will be wonderful parents when the time comes! You have touched so many lives with your play on the course but have and will continue to inspire so many more " outside the ropes".
We wish you nothing but the best life has to offer.
We are looking forward to working with you and your team at the Academy some time in the future.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPIRATION and God bless you
BK

[Somerset '76]

Wow.

Early Sunday morning, I was checking the forecasts to decide whether or not to head down to Kingsmill for the final round of last week's Michelob Ultra Open; unlike all its past years, I wasn't able to make it for any of the previous days. Heavy rains were forecast for mid-round but not thunderstorms. Then I reminded myself that however many dozens of times I'd see you win on TV, I hadn't yet seen it in person, and somehow I figured, rain or not, this was going to be my best chance. I had a feeling that you'd be prevailing.

So I made the trip and got there just after your group hit its tee shots on the 1st, and I followed you the whole way - even running into a high-school classmate and her daughter among your gallery (given that we're from Richmond, that was an odd coincidence). You had your moments on the front nine, and at the turn, I chatted briefly with your attractive sales director Michelle, who was even then feeling good about your round....

But when you started lighting it up on the tough 10th and on in, I knew I was watching something special. It didn't even dawn on me while out there that you didn't miss a single fairway! I pretty much saw it all, and watched you finish up from near the main leaderboard, then got into the stands for the presentation. Maybe winning there was the last piece in the "puzzle" you were looking for?

I got into the patrons' area of the clubhouse, figuring I'd cheer you one last time before leaving for home ... not realizing that you were busy not only with the normal post-tournament interview, but the one afterward with Mr. Sirak as he accounts in the article I've just now read.

Boy, am I even more glad I went down there now. At least I got to see you win in person. Best wishes, Annika. Go get those majors!

[Andreas Roslund]

"THE BEST THERE EVER WAS"

Det är med gråten i halsen som jag skriver men...

Otroligt stolt ska Du vara över det Du gjort både för sporten och för många människor!

För mig är Du ärligheten, chosefriheten och inte minst vinnarskallen personifierad. Kom ihåg det! Väldigt söt också.

All lycka i framtiden.
Stor Kram.

[Janeen V.]

Wow, I'm wiping the tears from my eyes!!! Lycka till Annika with all that you do. I've loved every minute of your grand career, and I am sure you will be successful in the next phase of your life.

See you at your Ginn Tribute in a couple of weeks. And now somehow I've got to find a way to at least one major!!

We'll all be cheering for you this season--I'm still thinking about 58--are you? Janeen

[Jill]

Brian Hewitt sums it up nicely...

"The bigger hope here is that Annika Sorenstam, a person impossible to dislike, will be happy no matter what happens."

[Karen Ross]

Hey Annika,

CONGRATULATIONS! In order for you to have made this decision to retire from competitive golf it clearly means that:
a) you have achieved your goals of coming back and winning after a tough year (2007), and most importantly
b) that you have found true happiness in your personal life, both with Mike and with your business endeavours.
For those 2 reasons, I (and I am sure all your fans) cannot but be thrilled for you!
I will truly miss watching you perform on TV, and really wish that you have plans to keep this blog so we can keep up with the events in your new life!
Given the dedication and work you put into everything you do, I am sure of one thing: the Annika empire will be the next Berkshire Hathaway... just let us know when you decide to issue your IPO!!!
Wishing you and Mike all the happiness you deserve!

[Patty]

I have been watching you play such great golf since your first win at the US Open in 1995. What a wonderful and exciting career. I have enjoyed watching you for 15 years and am sad to see you retire. However, you are to be congratulated for retiring on your own terms. One of my great moments with you was being able to get your autograph at the Tom Watson Children's Mercy charity golf event in Kansas City in 1998. And I won't soon forget the US Open in 2002 and the Solheim Cup in 2002 and 2005. Thanks for all of the great golf and wonderful memories.
Would you post your schedule for the remainder of the year? I'd really like to try to make it to a tournament to see you play this year.
Best wishes.

[Wayne]

Annika,

CONGRATULATIONS and BEST WISHES!

You have inspired me (and countless others) to play the game, play it well, and work hard in order to do that.

As I told you in Mobile (ALABAMA) this past November... YOU are the reason that I play/follow Golf with the intense passion that I do. THANK YOU!

Thanks for what you've contributed to the game!

VR,
Wayne

[Joan]

Thank you for your inspiration both in golf and in life!!!Best wishes for the future after golf... but first win lots more tournaments!!!

[Charlotte]

Annika,

I posted on another thread but just had to add another comment here. Everyone above sums up my feelings, too, but just wanted to add - the season isn't over! Let's celebrate and support you as you play with grace and class for the rest of the year. Then, after Dubai, it's time to break out the Insignia Cabernet!

On a personal note, I left a very demanding corporate career at age 39. Some people thought I was nuts for leaving "in my prime", etc., and didn't really support my decision. Yet I can honestly say the past few years have been the happiest I've ever been, pursuing other interests (psychology), taking up golf, and spending more quality time with my husband and other loved ones.

The change has showed me what's truly important in life, and I'm very grateful. I wish the same for you. You will continue to inspire people around the world OFF the golf course just as much as you have on the course. Thanks for being such a fine example of integrity, hard work, compassion and passion for life. I wish you & Mike nothing but the best!

Charlotte Bradley
Redondo Beach, California

[Diane Lee]

Annika .

I love watching you play on TV , you've been a real inspiration to me . I wish you all the best and one day I hope to come to your golf schoool .

[Georgia]

OMG I have tears also. You were the only reason I started watching the LPGA. I have only been to one tournament, but now I will really have to work hard to convince my Husband that I have to go again. I wasn't able to get an autograph last time, but I will stand in the rain, if need be, to get one before you retire. What a sad day for this fan, but I wish you a very happy life with Mike and your family.
Georgia

[Peg]

It's sad news for me (being selfish).
I'm happy for you and Mike. Wish you best starting a family. You mom and dad will be happy to have a grandchild.
Like I said my best to you, Mike, and for your family.
Bring a victory this week.
Go Annika!!!!!

[Gary]

Annika,
Thanks so much for everything you have done for all golf fans. I'm sure I am not alone in being drawn to watching the ladies play because of you. I was really rooting for you to win the most tournaments of all time, but in hindsight I can see thats just being selfish on my part. I can see you have your priorities in the right order. Who knows someday I might attend one of your academies! Promise to teach me how to hit the ball without having my eyes on it!! :) Good luck and fortune with all your future endeavors!

[Preston Crow]

I was stunned to learn of your retirement at the end of 2008. Thank you for all you have done for women's golf. Your dedication and drive have been an inspiration to everyone. You alone raised the bar.
The road you are about to embark on is a great one. Good luck to you and Mike. Trophies are wonderful, but there is nothing more wonderful in this world than children.
You will be missed and thanks for the memories.

[Christine]

Annika,
Well, I'm glad I got to see a little bit of your excellence, given that, as I mentioned before, I am new to golf at age 55. I too have experienced neck injuries and can appreciate how you want to remain healthy and enjoy new ways to share your gifts and passion for golf. As a bit of a shy Scandinavian girl myself, I really think the thing I admire so much about you is how you have been able to move into the spotlight and be comfortable with it while not giving up your principles. You have a wonderful, consistent presence and will be a good teacher. Most of all it was nice to see you smile with such joy and peace when you won last week's Michelob Ultra tournament. It's always good to know when to say "enough." You have been an inspiration to women in all walks of life. Tusen Takk! Christine
Maybe someday you can design the first all "green" golf course ( no motorized vehicles); that would be a very good thing for everyone and the planet.
Christine

[Tammy]

Annika,
I am so glad that I got to see you play at the U.S. Open this past year at Pinehurst. Getting to be first in line at your autograph signing and to see you in person was priceless and something truly special. That whole week was awesome!!! Thank you, for letting us be apart of your amazing journey. You are and always will be number one!!!!! Like wise I am happy that you are leaving on your own terms and hope that each and every adventure brings you happiness and great joy! You will be truly missed. I didn't start watching golf till I saw you talking about the colonial. The passion you had on your face made me a fan of yours and golf forever. At least I will still get to enjoy wearing your clothing line from Cutter and Buck. Best to you and Mike.

Now go win more tournaments!! You Rock!!!!!!!

[LoJo]

Like other fans have posted, I am both sad and happy at your announced retirement.

We will all so much miss seeing your great game and cheering you on to victory. There are NONE more loyal than Annika fans!

I'm happy that you are stepping into another chapter in your life, and with Mike, it will surely be one which brings you great joy.

Thank you for being Annika...there will not be another like you.

On a personal note, I'm glad to have followed you in person for many rounds from the Solheim to the US Women's Open, the ADT, and most recently in Orlando at the Ginn. I might have to make another trip down to the ADT in November!

Good luck Annika...and thanks again.

[golfgirl]

Dear Annika, How wonderful for you and how sad for all of us who are your fans and love you. I followed you Sat & Sun @ the Women's 2007 Open @ Pine Needles, being part of what I call "Annika's Army" (like Arnie's Army" used to be). I watched every shot. I was able to get your autograph, and my Callaway cap with your signature has been hanging in my home ever since. I was right there when you made the amazing 50 foot putt on #15. I ran to the cross walk and said "Great putt!" to you as you walked by. You gave me a moment of eye contact & nodded your head to me despite being in the middle of your game. It was one of the highlights of my day. Then when you finished on #9 and came out of the scoring hut, I was standing with some others. You were so gracious & wonderful. You signed every autograph, spoke to me and every other person there, another highlight. The crowd always cheered you as you walked up to every green and you always acknowledged them back, a true classy lady. You are a true inspiration to all women who enjoy and play golf. The LPGA tour will not be the same without you. You will be missed. Congratulations on your wonderful career and may you continue to be blessed.
Chris
Myrtle Beach, SC
PS: Now, I need to save some money to go to the Annika Academy! Wish there was one in North or South Carolina!

[Jacques LeBlanc]

Hi Annika
Well i just heard about your upcoming retirement and I am very sadden as well as very happy for you and Mike, I know golf was your life and you accomplished so much in just a short time.
You set a very high standard for all the upcoming young golfers and that will give them a very real incentive to play better.
I followed your play for the last thirteen years and met you a couple of times and was very imprest with your patience with all the fans that wanted your autograph.
I want to wish you and Mike all the best on your new life and I for one will miss you, I will miss watching you play but feel happy that you are happy in you new adventure's.
God love you as all your fans do