Victory....

Greetings everyone.  Some of you may already know, but for those of you who do not, I am happy to report that our International Team defeated the Asian Team to win back the Lexus Cup!  Just as it had each day, the results came down to the closing matches on the 18th hole.  Play was decided when Christiana Kim two putted for birdie at the last to halve the hole and ensure us the victory.  Katherine Hull shined again as she won her third point in a row.  Natalie came from two down on the back side for a big win.  Angela won convincingly, and Helen and I won our matches.  We also managed some important halves on the 18th.  Suzann eagled to halve her match, and Karen Stupples won her last hole for a halve.  The play all week was spectacular and it was a very hard fought victory. I am really proud of our girls for stepping up and closing the deal.  This was my last sanctioned LPGA event and I could not be more thrilled with the results. Thanks to the team for the memories!

UPDATE:  There are more new pics in the 2008 Lexus Cup photo gallery - check em out!

Comments

[Dee H.]

Hi Big A! How great to hear from you! Every single one of those women played a part, the half points were so crucial! They really dug deep, and I was thrilled to see it. Well, read it, actually, and I hope to see it soon on the golf channel.

[Jeanette Jones]

Can only imagine how sweet that Lexus Cup victory must feel like, you last LPGA sanctioned event for 08. Congratulations to you and the team on your win. From all that I read in articles covering the event, the win was truly a team effort. As you indicated in your blog posting, the memories you take away are so sweet.Enjoy.Safe travels to Dubai in defense of your Master's Championship.

[Golf54deciple]

Annika,
I beg of you, please show the ladies "some love" from all of us because of the way you approaced this endeavor.

Actually, because of how BOTH TEAMS played,
neck & neck 'til the end, the LPGA may have been GREATLY served by this tournament.

This years' battle seemed to propel this tournment to the level of Solheim when it came to pure excitement.

You've put your name on it to give it "credibility", but the firey zeal of the competitors has given it the stamp of viability.

Now a way needs to be made to include the rest of the "International" countries.

Yes??

[Golf54deciple]

HA!!

I just enlarged the picture and why am I NOT surprised to see Alfie with the champagne bottle!!

Let me guess ... she and Christina will be leading the "celebration"!!

You guys probably better stick close to each other for safety sake!! LOL!!!

[Buzz]

A job well done, Captain. I'm very proud of you and your teammates....

Now on to Dubai to wrap it up; then home to rest, relaxation and, hopefully, lots of kids and great business success.

Stay well, Annika and Mike....and stay in touch.

[Lowell]

As much as leadership I noted, might not be won; it is assuredly a wonderful way to make the point. The whole team I imagine takes with them, in and of their victories, the margin of the management of their many more. In so very many ways, all the best.

[Golf54deciple]

Apprecated the update of pics.

The "Pep Talk" photo was really precious. Apparetly, Natalie took it to heart coming from her good friend Annika; she made an awesome bounch-back on the back half!!

"Sharing the Moment"--I just KNEW Christina Kim was going to have a jolly time showering teammates with Champagne and this is the 1st time I've ever seen her shower Annika.

Looks like Annika "welcomed" the shower and just took it all in!!

"The Winning Team" is now the wallpaper on my dual monitors!! It looks great!!

Thnx ladies, you look MARVELOUS!!

[Marg & Cherry (UK)]

Hi Annika, Great result in the Lexus Cup - terrific performances from you and everyone in your International Team - well done Captain!
We'll be rooting for you to finish the season with a 3-peat in Dubai.

[Annika the Cat]

Hi Annika,

One week it’s you and your cattie fending off the pack. The next week you are leading part of the pack to victory! No wonder you had goose bumps Champ! Congratulations to you & TI on a job well done!

Safe travels & paws are crossed that you will remain Alpha Cat in Dubai!

Go Annika!!!

AtC

[Peg]

Annika,
The last LPGA sanctioned Event for 2008 you're winner! How Sweet is that!
Congratulations to you and to whole team!
I am so happy The International Team WON!!!
On to Dubai - I'm praying for 3-peat.
Go Annika!!!!!

[Jill B]

Fantastic for all.

Congrats Annika - I am so pleased that it finished this way.

These will be life long memories for the entire Team International (and Team Asia for that matter) - not only for the win but for the moment in time they were able to shared with their captain.

As I am sure you know - the whole blog is traveling with you to defend in Dubai...I can't believe the golf is almost over...

I cannot wait for the next chapters - as I sit here 7 1/2 months pregnant I can only say - it's going to be quite a ride!

[Howard & Helen]

Nice way to finish off your LPGA year. Going out as the champion you are!

Have a safe trip to Dubai and enjoy this last one.

[B. K.]

Annika and Team International,
Congrats on a hard fought, tough win!! That makes it even sweeter right?!
As always, you lead by example. Glad you could go out in the style fit for the champion that you are.
Happy and safe travels to you, Mike and Terry.
Good luck in Dubai-
BK

[Mary E.]

Annika,

Congratulations, CAPTAIN!!! What a terrific and well deserved win for Team International. Under your guidance, pairings, pep talks, and leadership, the ladies and you were able to pull off the victory and showed that it really was a team effort on everyone's part.

This was an appropriate finish for your last sanctioned LPGA event, finishing on top. And it being the LEXUS Cup (one of your sponsors) which I'm sure made them all the more proud that you represent them.

Loved the photo of the entire team with YOU holding the trophy. You have certainly set the bar high and one that I'm sure the other pros will strive towards in the future. They will miss you on tour more than you'll ever know. So will we, your fans!

Now rest up and go get 'em in Dubai, CHAMP!!!

[Golf54deciple]

Just caught Golf Central and there were a few highlights of this win.

Also a note that they would be broadcasting the Dubai Ladies Masters 11-14Dec2008 starting at 6:30PM Eastern

[Jane]

Woo hoo, good show!

What a nail biter, too bad we couldn't watch it...ok...I am getting really tired of banging my head against that wall.

What a day my second favourite Suzann had on Saturday. She's my pick for next to #1. I think I still have a bet with one of the RCGA guys.

Play well in Dubai.

[Jerry]

Fantastic!! You ended your LPGA playing days just the way you started...with class,determination and holding the trophy. You will never know just how much this meant to your team members to be able to send you out with a championship. I'm sure it will be one of the true highlights of their career.I'm sure the tears of joy could have filled that Cup to the top. Mike told me he "lost it" when Terry made his comment at the Lexus party about how "in nine years you never once let him down".
Congratulations on a wonderful storybook finish.
Jill and I cannot thank you enough for inviting us to your last tournament next week with your parents...can't wait to see you and Mike.
We love you champ!!!

[Dee H.]

I'm VERY happy that Dubai will be on TV here in the states. That was not previously on the golf channel schedule, so that's fantastic! 3 hours a day, and more Annika to watch!

[Liz Joyce]

Congratulations to Captain and whole team for an exciting and winning result to regain holder of the Lexus Cup. Of course, I have only one huge regret, and that is, it was not televised (pooh pooh) and we only saw miniscule snippets.
I for one, am already suffering large allergic reactions to the fact that you will not be on the tellie, competing, with your beautiful graceful game and "humanship".
Good luck in Dubai. Happy Holidays
lizzie