Golf Putting Practice Logo

Sorenstam the Prides of Swedes

The Swedish golf world, and the rest of the world, is now well aware of the power of the wonderful Annika Sorenstam. Capturing the imagination of women from around the world, Annika determinedly planted the world of golf and women together and created an influence that stands for years to come as the powerful and poignant expression of women in sport.

Many people are surprised to learn that Annika did not grow up playing golf. She did not discover the sport until she turned twelve. As a youngster, Annika wanted to be a professional tennis player, and avidly pursued both tennis and badminton. At the age of sixteen, Annika realized that she would never become a pro tennis player, and traded in her tennis racket for her golf clubs. She had begun taking lessons at fourteen, and decided to pursue golf as her pro sport. She became so obsessed with golf that she would even play in the snow using a bright orange ball! Her goal was to one day win the prestigious U.S. Open.

Annika arrived in the US on a golfing scholarship at the University of Arizona at the age of nineteen. During her first two years of college she won seven collegiate titles. The summer after her sophomore year, Annika was invited to the US Open. While she did not play well, the invitation gave her the realization that she was ready to go pro.

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.