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

[ia]

Annika,
I grew up watching and reading about you, which inspired me as a teenager playing golf with only guys.

You have followed me throughout uni, showing me that if you just believe in yourself and work hard you can accomplish amazing things!

Many nights have I spent in front of the computer following your rounds, rooting for you every step of the way!

Finishing up my studies now and heading out into the world, leaving uni just like you are leaving the LPGA, I can only thank you for the inspiration you have given me and all the wonderful and exciting moments brought to us!

I'm so glad that I got to watch you play live over here, back "home", in Sweden a couple of times!

Tack för allt och lycka lycka till med allt i framtiden!

Carpe Diem,

ia

[Annie Ricciuti]

Annika, Though women's golf won't be the same without you, I congratulate you on your decision- as with everything, done with class and style. It's been an incredible pleasure watching you play these past 15 years. You are the reason I started playing golf. I hope to share a round with you one day at your Academy. Good luck and much happiness to you. Thank you for everything you've done for women's golf, not to mention for all women in general. You are in my book the best golfer ever, regardless of gender.

[Karla Villegas]

Annika, what you've done so far for women's golf is just amazing, there's no question why you're considered by many of us the best player in history. Watching you on TV was great, got my atention in women's golf and became my pasion and current job. Following you was even better: MasterCard Classic (05,06 & 07), Acapulco Skins (06 & 07) and the best of all... Ricoh Women's British Open at St. Andrews, the trip from Mexico to Scotland definitively worth it all. I'd always remember your victories on mexican soil and the nice way you treated media members... It was just delightful... GRACIAS!

[Kathy]

Annika, So many times i've heard you talk about golf courses and tournaments being first class events. The same can be said for you! You are truly a first class act!! I have truly enjoyed watching you play and all of your accomplishments and contributions to women's sports. Have a great 2008 season and enjoy part 2 of your life!

[garythegolfer]

Congratulations on a truly remarkable and amazing career. You certainly don’t have anything left to prove. Golfers everywhere will miss you next year. I will miss you. You have the best swing in golf, male or female and you are my hero.

[Paul S.]

Annika, I've been a sports fan for over 50 years and you have been and are my favorite athlete. I wish you would play another 20 years, but I respect your decision. Thanks for the memories and best of luck the rest of the '08 season and in all your endeavors therafter. And I wish you and Mike a long, deliriously happy marriage.

[Golf54deciple]

THANK YOU Annika,
Gosh I'll miss seeing you play next year and beyond . . . . but what an awesomely special position you're in to be ABLE to "step away" according to the times of your life.

Just knowing that you HAVE come full circle BACK TO THE TOP means a lot to us as well; and that you'll be in good hands to launch out into new adventures is really what we desire.

I tried to use the time last year when you were recovering to "wean" myself from Annika withdrawls, but I don't know that I did so well . . .

Hmmm . . . at least we have some time, NOW. So full spead ahead right? We have Sybase and your Tribute to take care of this month!!

[Joyce]

My heart is sad. It is selfish on my part to want you to play on and on. I respect your decision and wish you much happiness for your future. Thank you for the many wonderful years of great golf. You are and always will #1 for me.

[debbie]

From your successful years at U of A in my hometown Tucson, I have cheered for you thru the years and wish you only the best. Good luck thru the rest of 2008 and beyond. Your efforts encouraged me to play and enjoy the game. Thank you for that! (I'm aiming for the "Senior" tour now!) Take care.

[Alex]

It is a sad day in the world of golf. The best golfer ever will no longer be gracing the courses of the world in competition. Being as you are re...re...will no longer be golfing competitively I would like to share with you a story. My high school golf team and i flew down to Arizona to watch you play in the Safeway Classic. The day i watched you play was the most inspiring day ever. You not only made waves with me but with my whole community. I live in a small town and when I returned sporting you signature on my head…ya I’m the bald girl who’s head you signed…I was the talk of the town. My school newspaper even wrote an article on the subject. This is as good a time as any to share this with you…so here is the site to my schools paper it’s a great article entitled…A Trip To The Tour. I’m not so sure this is a time for smiley faces but what the heck :)

[Alex]

http://www.sbps.net/vnews/display.v/SEC/SHS%7CEchoes

[Shauna]

Hey Annika,

I wish you all the best in your future. The game of golf will lose a great player and person when you retire in December. Congratulations on your amazing career!!

[Jim in sunny Phoenix]

Annika - All wonderful dreams come to an end. At first reading, I thought your announcement was the start of a nightmare. I quickly came to realize that your greatness, kindness, and love is why you've lived the dream and given hope for so many others like myself. The dream isn't over, it continues for you AND for all of us. Thank you for all the years of being YOU...I have so much to say...you're too wonderful for words.

Thank you so much for the TREMENDOUS impact you've left on the golfing world. I look forward to keeping up with your activities and want to say, thank you, thank you, thank you.
The dream continues! DREAM ON!

Jim

[Laura]

You are the only athlete whose career I follow assiduously. Now what do I do?

[marichi o.]

hello annika,

it was truly a shock to read about your retirement (am still in shock). golf won't be the same without you. i was so happy when you won the Michelob Ultra and thought that this was the beginning of a lot more tournament wins ( i never lost faith in you). but i understand your decision. life is not all about golf.

Congratulations on a magnificent career...i wish you all the best. but most of all, THANK YOU for just being yourself, for keeping the faith, for being an inspiration to many and for simply being the BEST EVER!!! i will surely miss you.
warmest regards,
marichi o.

[Anders]

I´m not chocked I expected it :) but i sure will miss you on the tour.

[Kaz]

Hello Annika,

I am writing this from Japan.
I'm Japanese having great memories in me staying Arizona,US that I watched your game of
golf for the first time.
Since then, about 18years has past.
Now Everybody around the world knows you.

University of Arizona is #1.....

Thank you Annika

[RONW]

you will be missed

[Betty Floris]

Congrats on 15 wonderful years. Commendations on what you have accomplished and what you have done to raise the bar on womens golf, fitness and inspiration to succeed. You will always be #1 in my book. Thank you so much for your grace on and off the range and kindness to so many fans. Best wishes on the next chapter. Keep us posted....

[stefanie (Alabama)]

Congrats Annika! I had a feeling this would be your last year - especially if you had a great come back like you are having. I'm sad that we want get to see you play on the weekends but I'm happy for you! Thanks for all that you have done for women's golf, the LPGA, and your fans.
I have a 6 yr. old daughter who is just getting started in golf and just learning who ANNIKA is.
We watch you on the weekends together and its a joy to see her excitement when she gets a glimps of you. I hope she gets to see you play in person before the year is out! Best of luck!
Let's finish LARGE!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing your passion - it's truly contagious!

[Marsha]

With your absence there will be an unfillable void on the LPGA tour begining in 2008. You played the game with class and you have done the same in your announcement. Good luck the remainder of this year and in everything you do in your life. I have seen a kind of peace in your demeanor this year that seemed different from other years. I think that is the happines & contentment you have found in your personal life. Good luck always!
Will you still participate in the Solheim Cup in 2009?

[Pia]

Tack för underhållningen!
T.o.m. en icke-golfare som jag har suttit klistrad på nätterna för att följa dig! Tänkte nästan börja spela igen (Höll på när jag var yngre) tills jag läste hur du reagerar när du spelar schack och jag mindes plötsligt varför jag slutade. Man behöver inte bara inspireras av ditt idrottsutövande utan av din inställning till allt! Tro mig jag behöver sån inspiration för att kunna leva så där på riktigt och inte vandra in i någon slags gråzon! Samtidigt som jag önskar dig allt gott och en fantastisk fortsättning, kan jag dock rekommendera gråzonen några veckor åt gången :)

[Pete Billquist]

I am saddened to think of watching, hearing about. talking golf without Annika Sorenstam.
I'm a 70 year old guy just trying to become a "golfer" again after a gap of over 40 years.
"Be a Swede" has become one of my best swing thoughts.... Swinging well within my control I learned from you, and I thank you for ALL you've given to me, and to the game of golf, and to the world.
Proud to be (and have been) your fan! Thank you!!

[Carin]

NOOOO!! The sky is falling!! ;-) Going to miss watching you compete, Annika. However, I have enjoyed every single moment and understand that you need to move on.

You have made me, a fellow Swede, so enormously proud through the years. I cannot count the times I've been asked if I am as good of a golfer as you are. Obviously, I am not :) However, for a brief moment I've been able to baste in your glory just by the mere fact that I am female, Swedish and play golf.

Thanks for letting us experience your greatness.

[Suzy]

You have been an inspiration to a lot of us. You have brought me to watch more and more golf. You have certainly inspired me to personally play more. Good luck the rest of the year, and I hope to see you in Canada.

[jb]

dear annika,

when i saw the expression on your face on friday i knew you would win the tournament. with your swing and your determination you can win every tournament you enter this year, certainly all the remaining majors. then the 54; we know you have won more than 88 tournaments. good luck with the family. p.s. if my wife was any guide when she was pregnant, you will get another 20 yards on your drives!

all the best and thanks for a wonderful career and being a wonderful person!

jb

[Agueda]

Annika
Thank you for all the great moments and for inspiring us fans through the years. You are a winner and I'm sure you'll continue to be a winner in the next chapter of your life. I appreciate your professionalism, your realism, and the energy you've given to the game.
I hope that through your next endevours, building a beautiful family, growning your multiple businesses, and giving back through your foundation are able to expand your message of success and inspiration.

May the best part of life be ahead of you,

your friend and admirer

Agueda
(Kraft-Nabisco '08, holding the door :-))

[Mary E.]

I happened to have been at my golf club when I walked by the tv and saw the line "Annika's retirement". Just couldn't believe it and didn't want to believe it. But I am so happy for you because it was YOUR decision to retire and start a new chapter in your life.
Many of us forget that this is/was your job and what a fine job you have done and will continue to do until the end of the year. You have shown the world what all athletes should aspire to in their work ethic and professionalism. YOU are the consummate golf professional. That's one of the reasons I love golf so much. The integrity of the game and a player like YOU who emulates all the good things. All of your fans will continue to support you throughout the rest of your career and I know you will win a few more majors before it's all done. But it's not the numbers/stats that matter the most; it is the heart and soul that you have poured into golf and we, the fans, have been the privileged ones to have witnessed it all.
Now you can start planning your wedding! Mike is one lucky guy. You are #1 in our book! All the best to you in whatever you choose to do. I wish you what you wish. A class act all the way!

[Laura P]

I'm so happy for you Annika! Sounds like you know exactly what you want. Thank you for all you have done for the game of golf.

[Jean]

Congratulations on all of your magnificent accomplishments and may you find nothing but happiness and contentment as you move forward. Thanks for the memories - they were spectacular.

[Sandy]

Annika - like many of your fans, I was saddened to hear of your decision. I have enjoyed watching you over the years, and believe that you have taken women's golf to a new level of prominence. It brings tears to my eyes to think that you won't be there to watch and emulate any more! But I can certainly understand why you have decided to change course, and wish you all the best in the future.

Thanks for everything

[Jeanette Jones]

Annika. As I watched your press conference on Tuesday, my tears of sadness turned to tears of joy as I listened to how you came to your decision to "step down from competition". You reached the top & dominated during your LPGA career. You are the reason I became interested in Golf after playing competitive tennis for over 30 years. Your work ethic is inspiring & I know you give 110% in everything you do. I look forward to each of your tournaments remaining in 08. I wish you & Mike a long & happy marriage.May your anticipated role of Mother come to you as soon as possible. I look forward to your continued blog with updates on your endeavors. Sometime in the future, we fans look forward to the time when you step back up to competition again. One of my dreams is to attend the Annika Academy.

[Liz Joyce]

Dear Annika
What can I say except Thank You so very much for making each tournament you played in the best to watch - and to learn from - not your swing (I was never that good that I could even come close to dupicating your great swing) or your game but your demeanor. You always projected yourself as a brillant lady with a gifted ability to dedicate what ever it took to be the best and you showed us the best. Your play, your sportmanship, your stamina, your diversity.You are one of the special ones, one in a million. Best of luck for a wonderful new life for you and those you love. You will be missed from the tournament broadcasts more than I could say here.
lizzie

[Dee Hanscom]

Annika, in your post round interview today you stated that you thought you could replace your competition on the golf course with competition with your brand in the marketplace. Honestly, those 2 things don't seem anything alike to me. Your beautiful game and selling pants at Macy's are kinda different, ya know? Your round was awesome today, but to tell you the truth, I'm still not happy that you won't be a pro golfer any more after this year. Pure selfishness on my part, but it hurts.

[Dora]

Annika,

It took me a while to digest the impact of your announcement. While sad that you will no longer be there next year, I am happy you now have a perfect balance in your life which will allow you to pursue your other dreams.

You are the greatest of the greats!!! I will miss you, everybody will miss you...

Have a wonderful, wonderful life with Mike.

[Diana]

Annika, thank you for thousands of hours of entertainment over the last 15 years. I became a fan when I watched you win your first LPGA tournament, the Women's US open no less! I like many others have been following your career ever since. It won't be the same without you on the tour, I am always looking for your name on the leader board. You are role model in your sport and in life, always gracious, always humble, always Annika. Thanks for just being you. Best wishes

[Elsa Ho]

Hi Annika, I am a big fan since I started golf 10 years. Only had one chance to watch you play in person. That was at the Canadian Women's Open at Angus Glen which you won. As a fan, it is a shocking and somewhat sad news to hear you stepping away from competitive golf when you are in your prime. But I understand that you have other priorities and other interests to purse. As you say, "It's no fun if you can't give it 100%". That attitude is exactly what makes you my idol. I wish you all the best on the LPGA in 2008 and thereafter a happy married life, great success in your academy, course design and your line of golf apparel. I am sure you know that all of your fans will be behind you in each and every tournament you play and from next year on every step you make.
I will try to put some vacation days aside so that I will be able to make a trip to your academy. Best wishes.

[Jim in Michigan]

Hello Annika,

Saw you when you visited Bloomfield Hills two years ago, in fact you are the reason we started watching the LPGA several years ago. Watching the way you consistently dominated the tour for so long was tremendous. You were always gracious and humble, what a wonderful lesson for kids everywhere. Honestly though, I think most of us thought this would happen after you notched number 89. Wishing you God's blessings and all the best in life. Thank you very much for the memories.

And hey, who knows what the future might bring. Lots of ladies on the tour have gotten married and had kids, and came back to play. eh?

[Beth]

You have been such an inspiration to me and my
love of the game of golf. I am a real fan of yours and also the LPGA and will miss seeing you on the TV. I wish you happiness and further success in your life and hopefully you will come to Portland In August for the Safeway Classic as I would love to see you in action there. I have been travelling from British Columbia every year to go to this tournament, hope you are there!
Thankyou and good luck to you

[Beth Nickles]

Annika:
I remember my dad handing me a copy of Golf Magazine WAY BACK in 1993-94... He said to me..."This is your girl"..."you need to watch her". "She is going to be somebody"... WOW...
I admire my dad so much....It's because of him that I play the game. I used to be a fastpitch softball player, before golf... Well I want you to know that I took his advice. I have watched you from the beginning; for the last 13-14 years. And he was right!... I still have articles hanging on my office wall from your trip to the Colonial... I guess I had to know that this day would come. We all have dreams outside of golf... Children are important and wonderful..I have 3 grown girls...wouldn't trade them for anything...Family is GREAT!

Grow the game of Golf. Women's golf couldn't have a better representative than you. It's challenging to find people with all of the elements to help to drive women to a sport such as golf... You have it all, the personality, the talent, the drive and dream that will make the sport FANTASTIC for so many.

It is sooooo sad to hear this, however, my best to you and yours. I look forward to seeing you in the remaining tournaments this year.

On a more humorous note...I had this dream foursome. AND you guessed it...You were actually part of my DREAM FOURSOME...You, Myself (of course), Fred Couples, and Phil Mickelson. It was fun!!!

Love to you and your family!
Beth Nickles

I live in Melbourne, FL and have so thoroughly enjoyed visiting some of the tournaments, especially the Ginn over the last couple of years.

Girl...You Are Amazing...

[Jennifer]

Annika,
Over the years there have been some memorable female golfers who have played on the LPGA Tour. To be included with the likes of legendary LPGA golfers Betsy King, Nancy Lopez, Pat Bradley, Beth Daniels and Patty Sheehan is a great compliment.

You will always be remember as Ms. 59. We will all miss you dearly.

Best wishes with your future endeavors!

Jennifer

[Melanie Audette]

Annika,

On April 20, 2008 I had the honor of receiving your signature. I had waited many years and many tournaments to receive something so special. Every tournament I went to, I waited in the little crowded space and yet I was always one person too late. Annika I have been a true fan of you even before I started playing golf. I have been playing golf for four years now, and I have received a full scholarship to Florida Southern College. They are an amazing golf team and now I have a chance to keep it amazing, hopefully. In all this rambling of mine, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and all the young girls out in the golf world. Trust me I will be a huge fan of yours until I die. Thank you. I will surely miss you.

Melanie Audette
Lakeland, Florida

[Marc -Lyon- France]

good luck Annika

[Susan]

Best wishes in your decision, would you consider playing in the PGA againts the men's before you quit?

[rocky]

i,am lookin forard to see you play the rest of the year.hope you win a few more before retirement.watching lpga won,t be the same without you. very happy for you.hope to watch you play in oregon.

ps best of luck

[Abdul Azim Akhtar]

Your decision to retire did not come to me as surprise. For quite some time, I had this feeling that you might opt out of the game after making a comeback. And you exactly did that. Wish you good luck and all the best for your next phase of life.

Regards
Abdul Azim Akhtar
GOLF STYLE, India

[Annette D.]

Best wishes for success and happiness in all your future endeavors. You have certainly earned it. You have brought women's golf to the forefront and I applaud you for it. You have my respect for having the courage to reach out and honor your dreams.

You have a presence about you that made me want to begin playing golf when I was well into my 50's. You always have a smile even in the face of adversity. You are...and always will be an awesome role model for the younger generations to come.

Bravo Annika! Well done!

[Sue Densmore]

I am a complete idiot. There I was, on a school trip, and my stupid guilt over ditching the kids to come watch you play at this year's Ginn Open stopped me from going.

Duh. If I knew then what I know now! :)

Annika, I have so enjoyed watching you play golf over the years. You are right when you say the game is strong, and there are many really good players out there. But there will only ever be one Annika Sorenstam, and it will be a loss to not have you inside the ropes anymore.

It is my heartfelt wish that you have every happiness in life, and, like others, I hope you will still give us these glimpses into what's going on with you.

Thank you for inspiring women of all ages and abilities to love this wonderful game. All the best!

Sue

[Nancy]

Annika -
I've been following you and your career since you joined the tour. I picked you as a 'comer' when you first started out and you never disappointed. I felt your joy and heartbreak when your marriage started and ended. (Been there, done that). I shared your happiness and feelings of accomplishment with each victory and supported your entry into the men's tourney. (Always felt you were better qualified than Michelle Wie). Prayed for you when you had your back problems and celebrated your return to the tour and your great start last week.
I sometimes feel it would have been great fun to have been your mother. (Always wanted a daughter, never had children.)
I respect your decision to retire and get on with your private life.
Best of luck with your new husband, hopefully children, and all you hope to do. I'll miss following your career, but want only happiness for you now.
Thank you for the years of excitement and inspiration you've given me.
Nancy

[Brian]

Annika, thank you for your special time we had in Hawaii and I'm very glad for you. My wife couldn't wait to see you in Hawaii and you did an awsome job there with a top ten and a wonderful win. We have your golf ball you gave us at the house and always will display it. Good luck and we will stay tuned at your web site for more great things. Brian