Annika's Career Path

Annika started her pro career in Europe in 1993. She did quite well in this less competitive market, and was named Rookie of the Year her first year as a pro golfer. During this year she also did several tournaments with the LPGA in the US. While she did not win any of these, she did play extremely well, and started to get noticed. She gradually began inching closer and closer to the top. At the age of 24, Annika realized her girlhood dream and won the US Open at the Broadmoor Golf Club near Pikes Peak in Colorado.

From that high, Annika became an instant celebrity. Facing offer after offer for appearances and endorsements, Annika took some time off from golf. After a couple of months of rest, she re-entered the European tour. But the US seemed to be the best place for her game, and she began to blow away the field every time she played on US courses.

After her early success, Annika began to struggle when playing in the majors, both in Europe and in the US. In 2000, Annika began a strict training and exercise regimen, and by the end of 2001 was back at winning tournaments again. She again made headlines in 2003 when she announced her intention to accept an invitation to play in the PGA Colonial golf tournament, a traditionally all-male field. There was much controversy surrounding her entrance into the tournament, causing Annika's name to reach headlines around the world. She did not qualify for the cut, yet still made a name for herself by playing against some of the world's top male golfers.

Annika was entered into the World Golf Hall of Fame in October of 2003. She was notable for being the first international LPGA player entered. Annika's accomplishments continue to inspire young female golfers around the world. As she heads into 2007, Annika plans to host LPGA tournaments and try her hand at redesigning the Patriots Point Links in Mt. Pleasant, SC. There are many more years of golf left in the spunky Swedish golfer, so you can expect to see the name Annika Sorenstam for many more years!