I want to thank Annika for making herself available to fans at tournaments.

Thank you, Annika, for allowing us, the fans, to be a part of the experience.

Dr. Kelly Quick

We were at the Safeway classic at Phoenix in 2007. I was with all my friends from the SDGA, working as Volunteers. I caddied in Mi Hyun Kim's group and after the round, we stayed there all day getting autographs and supporting people in the 10th tee box. I saw Annika after finishing the round signing autographs and I handed to her my Ping Hat (Oops!) She saw the hat and told me "Ping Hat???" and I replied to her, "It's the only one I have!", so she signed the hat inside, staying away of the Ping logo. Hahahaha - that was hilarious!

I have 3 favorite Annika moments, all in person…

1) Watching her get further and further away from the field in the 2002 Samsung Championship and eventually winning the event by at least 10 strokes at 22 under!
 
2) Watching her and Karrie Webb battle back and forth in the last round of the 2006 Longs Drug Classic. Annika was playing one group ahead of Karie who was the leader and eventual winner. It was great to see "classic" Annika in the hunt, never giving up and having nerves of steel!
 
3) Getting Annika's autograph on the last day of the 2008 Samsung Championship!!! I'll never wear that hat again!
 
I wish you well Annika in your future endeavors!! You will succeed in whatever you do... but we do hope to see you back... at least occasionally. You have to show these other players how it's done!! Thank you for all you've done for the game of golf. It's truly been a pleasure to see you play!
 
Carol Howard - San Jose, CA

I have followed your career through the years and have admired all the things you have accomplished. The LPGA will not be the same without you. Best wishes to you and all you future endeavors.  

Barb McT.

When Annika scored a 59 - something Tiger has not done.

Frank McElroy

My favorite Annika moment happened at the 2008 McDonald's LPGA Championship. As I arrived at Bulle Rock in Havre de Grace, Maryland, for the start of the second round, I found myself awaiting the arrival of the players just outside of the front entrance of the Clubhouse. In my right hand was Annika's book entitled "GOLF ANNIKA'S WAY", a Christmas gift given to me some two years earlier, which I was determined to have her autograph, and in my left hand was the Sharpie pen that I would give to her for autographing.

I patiently waited as player after player approached the Clubhouse entrance, wondering if the opportunity had passed me by. Then suddenly, from a distance in the players parking lot, I caught a glimpse of the player who I admired most for the past ten to fifteen years move closer and closer towards me. I scurried up to meet her with book and Sharpie in hand like a child getting to see Santa Claus up close for the first time. I politely greeted her and asked if she would kindly autograph the book. She autographed the page of the book on which I had opened, to which I thanked her and wished her well on her upcoming round of the tournament.

As quick as this moment was, I will cherish it for the rest of my life. Annika has had some influence on me as a golfer, simply by the way she conducts herself on the golf course. I have tried to conduct myself in the same manner. I have never seen anyone so appreciative of the galleries, even if she is not having the best of days on the golf course. I think of Annika and Arnold Palmer in the same manner. In this day and age of self-centered, spoiled athletes, Annika has been a true breath of fresh air. I, personally, will miss her tremendously!

Sincerely, Eric From Virginia

Late Sunday at Interlachen Country Club, I was watching at the 13th green. I decided to wander over to 18 and watch Annika and Christie finish. The putts weren't falling for Annika on those slippery greens, but I thought, "this might be her last U.S. Open -- at least for a while". I was disappointed to see Annika had found the trees on her tee shot. But the 6-iron from 199 yards was nothing short of spectacular! Even after a disappointing Saturday and Sunday, Annika finished in style. And her reaction to the crowds reaction was priceless.

Thanks, Annika, for 15 years of impecable golf and attitude!
Pam Baker

When the Annika Academy opened, I attended one of the very first sessions. They were just getting the Academy up and running. Annika was healing from her back injuries and we didn't know if she would show up and say "hi" to us. I figured she was busy or in physical therapy or something and wouldn't be available to stop by the school. Everyone at the school - Charlotta, Henri, Kai, etc. made the whole experience so relaxing and friendly that we started feeling very "at home" by the end of the first day. Then... Annika showed up for lunch! As much as I tried, I could not help but feel "star struck", which is probably the last thing she would wish for. She sat with us while we were served this delicious lunch and I couldn't eat a bite! I felt so silly. After about 20 minutes of conversation, she noticed I hadn't eaten and she looked at me and just said "Eat!!"... much the way my own mother used to do when I was a kid! That just cracked me up.
 
Later, as I was working on the range, Annika was behind me and talking with the students. I was hitting pretty well, and she just happened to look up when I hit a really good drive that went sailing out with a very nice little draw. Annika shouted out "hey, great shot!!" I mean, how do you top that?? How much would any amateur hacker give to have the greatest female golfer in all of human history tell them "great shot"? Annika is not only a legend, she is also warm, down to earth, and a very special person. I wish her the greatest success in her post-competitive career.

Best regards,
Pat Bryant

I was at the 2008 U.S. Women's Open when Annika holed out on the 72nd hole!

Unbelieveable.

During the last day of Lorena Ochoa Invitational, on the green of #2, Annika walked to mark her ball, while a small butterfly was standing on it. Annika carefully picked up her ball not to disturb the butterfly, watched it with a smile, and handed the ball to her caddy. He gently blew over it, and the butterfly flew away, with all the crowd smiling and offering an applause to Annika for her nice gesture. It was wonderful to witness that moment: in a final round of one of her last events, being in contention, she was enjoying herself, the course, the crowds, and the little things in life. To me, that small detail talks a bunch about the true champion and gentile person Annika is. We were thrilled to have her in Guadalajara.

Felipe Rojas, Guadalajara, Mexico

The Golfing Gods were watching, and...

This year we were at the Ginn Tribute hosted by ANNIKA, following her around the course and she hit a tee shot that went right and landed in front of us on some pine needles.

Apparently, it also came to rest next to a harmless pine cone. Of course when Annika arrived, she surveyed the situation and determined that the pine cone had to go!! Carefully, with hands approaching the ill-fated in such a way that it could be lifted straight up and all would be well. From as close as officials would allow, we leaned forward to watch.

Don't think anybody was breathing!! Mannn we weren't gonna blink either . . . .

Didn't want no fould-ups here!! Besides that, the TV cameras were probably zoomed in full force and folks were watching with Blackberries in hand to place a call should the ball be moved.

But then she stopped!! Looked up at us with those baby blues saying "should I do it"??? and we just swollowed hard and exhaled. Good. She's going to leave it alone we thought... but NO!!! Back to the task again (must you always be persistant???)... I think she was "messin'" with us... and the Golf Gods were watching.

YUP!! I guess from "her" angle, she already KNEW that the cone could be removed without incident, but she also KNEW we were hanging breathlessly at the very idea of the attempted extraction!! I felt like, just hit the ball, cone, pine needles, beetles, crickets, WHATEVER... just leave it be!! Humble she may be, but I'm telling you she was messing with us.

So!! The shot went left, rolled into the pond, she took a drop, penalty stroke, approach went longggg over the green, the chip back hit the green and rolled waaayyyy past the hole and she 2-putted. The only blemish on the card that day, I do believe.

Normally, I don't side with the Golf Gods (they're too fickle), but I think they had our backs in this little matter with ANNIKA the Great!!

And yes, you can tell her I said this!!!

Seriously, Great Joy in Life to you all,
aka Gold54Deciple

Thank you, Annika, for everything you have done for Women's golf. I personally have found you to be an inspiration and a wonderful role model. All the best for the next phase of your life.

I think the one that Annika didn't win was the most memorable. It was the last day of the ADT when she was battling Karrie Webb for the season scoring average record. She was taking some chances, and I believe she hit one in the water on the previous day and had some catching up to do. The Announcer (Judy Rankin) said she was calculating on her calculator the night before, and that shows what a competitive spirit she has and what I think it takes to be a real winner. Anyway, it was looking bleak, but I think Annika eagled or birdied the last hole to win that title by the thinnest of margins!
 
One, probably more embarrassing, was the first tournament I attended. It was where she was playing in her fifth straight tournament and was going for the record, a fifth straight win. She must have been pooped, as she wasn't up to her usual standards of excellence. Anyway, I went home and looked at some photos of her swing online, and noticed that she seemed to squat too much. And the next day when I was following her, it was that and her knee was coming out of it and losing it's flex during the backswing. It was a par three, and I saw by the green there was a big rise off to the right, and the green was well down below. So when she got there, I pretended to stumble after I got her attention and 'showed' her briefly her 'knee thing'. She had to stop and ask for everyone's attention and warn against giving instructions. Gee, if a caddy can do it, why couldn't I? Well, it was embarrassing, but as I see it, she should have definitely used the tip :) .
 
I have even more embarrassing one's, but I better quit here...
CJ

I would like to wish Annika all the very best for her future. She will be a big greatly missed on both sides of the pond.

All the best Annika!
Yours, Anne Martin From North Wales

Annika, I would like to congratulate you on your great golf career. To step out at this point in time and take on a new venture takes courage. It also takes even more courage to step back and teach others the game that you love and that has brought success to you. You have been an inspiration to the game of golf.

Thank you, and many more successes.

Have a blessed day!
LORETTA M.

There are so many memories of this wonderful lady, but her determination and grit in the 3rd round of the 2008 Kraft will be near the top. I would say most players would have quit, but this lady does not know the word quit. She is the all-time greatest lady golfer and will be a tremendous loss to the tour in 2009 and beyond. Thanks for the memories, Annika.

I've golfed for over thirty years, and although Nancy Lopez was big when I was young, Annika was the first female golfer I can really remember truly "following". In her quiet way, she demanded our attention and respect. And for the first time, the men I knew paid attention to her game. Her 72 wins and majors record speaks for itself, but Colonial was the absolute Best. Her first tee shot (great reaction) reminded us that everyone gets butterflies. She represented herself and all women's sports admirably. No one can deny her greens in regulation was right near the top (of all golfers). Solheim events were another great watch. Annika's accumen in business and her generosity in charities don't get near enough praise. Despite some rather biased things that I have read, I know that all manner of golfers will be challenged and charmed by her upcoming course designs. I can't wait to try Red Mountain. I'd really like to tell Annika it's very gutsy to give up one dream to achieve another. I wish her all the best in this next goal and god willing there will be a team Sorenstam - Magee soon. After finally getting to see her play this summer in Ottawa, I realized how her hectic travel schedule and the grueling demands of media and her fans must have been hugely taxing. The adoration of the public was simply overwhelming, and I felt myself somewhat embarrased that I had added to that by trying to seek an autograph (that I didn't get). I have become an Ochoa fan of late (who isn't), but I can't help but keep pulling for Ms 59 in each of her 2008 outings. ADT's the charm! Finally, I can't imagine that Annika hasn't dreamt of playing in the Olympic Games. 2016 Annika, what do you say? I'm a Canadian, but I'd love to learn the Swedish national anthem.

Thanks for the Memories.
J.J

Hi Annika:

THANK YOU.....THANK YOU....THANK YOU....for bringing so much to women's golf and the golf game itself in general. I was very fortunate to have seen you play live down in Portland, Oregon, at the Safeway Classic Presented by Pepsi. You were gracious enough to sign my hat and pose for a picture with me. Thank you for making my dream come true. Never in a million years did I think I would ever meet you live, let alone get your picture and autograph. That picture hangs in my house with pride and joy. I've followed your career seriously for the past five years, and you just continue to amaze me in every facet of the game! YOU ARE AWESOME, ANNIKA... .From your golf swings to your interviews, you handle them so well and gracefully, but I'm sure a lot of hard work goes on with these. Again, thank you being part of my life. Every time I golf, you are always on my mind and I will continue to follow you on your Annika Blog. Again, congratulations on a wonderful 15 year unbelievable career. May you be blessed in the next phase of your life.!!! All the best to you and Mike!!!
 
All my best....
Judy Chin, Canada

The 2008 Women's Open was the first LPGA tournament I have attended. Two shots by Annika really stand out for me. The first was on Saturday when her chip shot to an elevated green went in. The second was on Sunday, when she holed out on the 18th with the 198-yard iron shot.

I volunteered at the ShopRite Classic one year, and after the golf was over, we went to the local Italian restaurant for dinner which is very popular with attendees, volunteers and players. Annika walked in with Charlotta and there were no tables available, so they sat at the bar to eat. On the TV above the bar, the golf channel was on. The guy sitting next to Annika didn't recognize her at first, but he started to do double-takes, looking at the TV, then at the woman next to him, and back to the TV, then realized it was Annika! It was pretty funny to watch.

I had the opportunity to get my picture with Annika after dinner and she was so gracious. She even told my friend to take another picture because Annika thought she blinked. Annika will always be a class act. Thank you for so many great memories, Annika. We'll miss watching you play amazing golf.

Dear Annika,

When you played the 2002 U.S. Women's Open at Prairie Dunes, I had the opportunity as a member of Prairie Dunes to see you in the clubhouse. I was in the buffet line with Judy Bell on my right and my husband on my left. I had just put a few shreds of lettuce on my plate when I heard your voice across from me. Judy Bell was explaining how difficult the course could be when the wind blows and you were relieved that the wind was not an issue. The two of you continued to pick up your food and discuss course conditions, such as the long grass in the rough. I listened politely, nodding my head in agreement from time to time, but never interrupted. When I reached the check-out point, the young clerk looked at me and down at my plate and asked if that' s all I wanted. I never added another thing to my plate as I walked through the line completely engrossed in your thoughts and conversation with Judy. My husband and I had a great laugh, and I returned to the line once more.

I just retired from 35 years of teaching and I am playing golf every day I possibly can. You will love your new adventures, too. I am sure.

Best of luck,
Letty Watt

To Annika:

I will truly miss watching you play on the LPGA tour. I hope you end your LPGA career with a win. What a great ending that would be... I will be cheering you on. My twin sister and I were lucky enough to go see you play your last U.S. Women's Open up in Minnesota at Interlachen CC, and then saw you play at the Safeway tournament in Arizona at Superstition Mountain. I would like to wish you the best of luck on your new endeavors and your upcoming wedding. Hopefully some day I will get to meet you. Thank you for what you have done for the game of golf for women. You will always be my favorite player on the LPGA tour.

Trudy Hoeft

I was standing in line for approximately two hours at The World Handicap Amateur, Myrtle Beach, SC, August 2007, where she was to appear on stage. My friends said I was a stalker, but I just wanted to be sure and see her and get her autograph. I never left the area and was the first to get her autograph that evening.
 
Thanks Annika.
Regards, Deborah Sweat

Annika,
A memory I will forever treasure as a fan is being able to follow your final two rounds at the Michelob Tournament at Kingsmill, May 2008. Seeing first hand your ball striking and putting was a tremendous privilege and highlight of watching you play golf. That final 9 holes where you made all of those birdies and grabbed the lead and won the championship was awesome. The passion you displayed was just ANNIKA golf. Two days later, you made your announcement. I wish you the best of everything as you start that new chapter in your life of marriage, starting your family, and continue your Passion of Golf in so many directions. I will miss you so much out on Tour. I plan to see you one day at the Annika Academy when I enroll for some lessons.

All the Best!
Jeanette Jones, Richmond, VA.

One Sunday in 1995, I happened upon televised coverage of the U.S. Women's Open. It had been more than ten years since I had followed golf, and I was unfamiliar with some of the players, including one whose name I'd never read or heard.

None of that mattered when I saw her swing - natural, easy, unique, beautiful. That was my introduction to Annika Sorenstam, and to paraphrase the film script and song, she had me from "Hello." And, oh yes, she won.

Since then, during the last 14 seasons, I've seen virtually every televised swing she has made, and was lucky enough to see her in person in Houston, the year that she qualified for the Hall of Fame at the Samsung. Choosing a favorite memory is obviously difficult. But I do have one special memory that I haven't seen mentioned yet.

On the day Annika won her third U.S. Women's Open, after an 18-hole playoff against Pat Hurst: Terry and Annika were walking to the 18th green, the crowd was going wild, my heart was about to explode. Then Annika stopped, turned around, and waited for Pat Hurst so that they could walk to the green - and to the bleachers - together. I burst into tears.

Later, I read that as she and Terry were walking, she had told him, "This win is for you." He hadn't been on her bag for her '95 or '96 Open wins. She said that she had seen tears on his face, and that she had been a bit teary, too. Needless to say, I'm teary right now.

Golf gear = $XXX; golf lessons = $XXX; 14 seasons of Annika = priceless!

Annika has conducted herself with the poise of a champion. She and Roger Federer are my two favorite athletes. Not only are they successful on the playing field, but they are a class act outside their respective sports. Annika gives back to the game she loves because the game has given so much to her. I grew up in Fort Worth watching men play Colonial. I cannot tell you the thrill I felt when Annika teed off on number 1. I also lived in Sweden for three years, so I understand the Swedish mentality. Annika no doubt makes her country very proud. She will be sorely missed on the LPGA. I hope she will come back one day, but in the meantime I wish her every happiness in her new life with Mike.

Annika, you are a champion in every since of the word.
 
Many thanks, Linda Trippett

When we lived in Tucson in the early days of Annika's career, and having attended the University of Arizona, she was always the premier draw. Moreover, what a wonderful person. By that I mean, in those somewhat early days, even when the crowds may have been somewhat small at the LPGA stop in Tucson, she would acknowledge even one person who might clap and cheer her on for a good shot on some remote fairway, to say nothing of the fact that she was always available for a signature if any fan so desired. Always acknowledging the fans who paid good money to see the terrific women on tour. She's a terrific human being, and one hell of a pro.

Sincerely, Keith & Linda Forrest, State College, Pa.

My favorite memory of Annika was during the JAL Tournament at Wykagyl Country Club in New York, about 8-9 years ago. My friend and I were following Annika's group during the Saturday round. Annika was in a greenside bunker, blasted out and holed out!! It was great. Even better, as she left the green, we looked at each other wearing exactly the same Callaway golf shirt. She and I both said, "nice shirt." I added, "nice shot" as well. She's the most gracious, classy golfer I've had the privilege of following. I'll miss her greatly.

Thanks for all the memories.
Marilyn G. Pearson

Annika -

My husband and I had never been to a LPGA golf event until 2005, when I entered a lottery drawing for tickets to the Solheim Cup in Carmel, Indiana. I was thrilled to get tickets, and we attended the events from Tuesday through Sunday. When we got to Crooked Stick on Tuesday morning and made our way to the practice tees, what a thrill it was to see you there in person and watch you play each day.

I had received your book as a Christmas present from my children and brought it with me just on the chance that I might get you to autograph it. You were so gracious and signed the book as you were leaving the practice area, and I will treasure it always.

I will miss watching you play but I have a feeling you will be back on the tour some time in the future (I hope I'm right). I wish you and your husband the best of luck and good health always and "thanks for my memory."

Kay Eilerman, Kentucky

My favorite memory of Annika is from the 2004 LPGA Championship. Annika had hit into the wrong fairway to the left of the hole she was actually playing. She hit a "54-degree wedge over a row of 60-foot trees, beyond a bunker and to within three feet for a birdie on the 16th hole that wrapped up an extraordinary victory in the LPGA Championship." I still have the newspaper story about that shot because I don't ever want to forget the magic of that shot or the class of the person who made it. I have watched a lot of golf on television and in person, and I have never seen a more incredible shot. If only that kind of shot would work for me!

Seriously, Annika has always represented the best of women's golf and the LPGA to me, and I will miss her greatly.

Thanks for the memories.
Vicki Risser

Hello... I have been an avid fan of the LPGA for twenty years, and my all-time favorite player is ANNIKA. My favorite memories will always be of her ability to make so many great shots under so much pressure - week in and week out. She always carried herself like a professional and let her clubs do the talking. Eight years ago, my baby sister was about to give birth to my niece and she called me the night before and asked me if I had any "girls" names in mind, and I immediately said how about Annika... To make a long story short, she loved the name (not a common name in Canada). As you can see by the picture, my niece Annika thinks it's pretty cool to be named after such a legend. ANNIKA, we will miss you on tour. Thanks for all the wonderful golf moments, and I wish you much success, happiness, and peace as you enter a new chapter in your life. All the best from one of your many fans.

Joanne MacNeil, Canada

Annika, Wishing you the best as you take on another side of life. I know that you will raise your children to be the very best, as you have shown in your golf. Thanks for all of the memories of how golf should be played. You have done a lot towards the game of golf and the LPGA. You will be missed by all of the players and the people that watched you on TV.

Thanks again.
Maxine, Florida

It was 1996. I had never been to a LPGA tournament before, but I was reading about a great new name in women's golf - Annika Sorenstam.

As we lived near Pine Needles at the time, my wife and I went to the Open to check out the girls and Annika. What a revelation to see the women play. They were awesome. We watched Annika for the majority of her back nine that Sunday. She wore a yellow shirt, eagled 10, hit the pin on 15 with her second shot, and basically knocked out the field that day. I have been a devoted fan of hers ever since. I have seen her play in person many times over the years and countless times on television. I think she is the greatest golfer, pound for pound, that has ever been. But also, thanks to her, I have become a devoted fan of the LPGA.

Thanks Annika, we all wish you well.
Bill Obringer

Annika, it was great watching you during your golfing career, and I will miss watching you on TV. You are one of the greatest LPGA players that I have ever kept up with. I will miss you, but hope and pray that you have a great life and success in whatever you do in the future.

Old Golfer, G. Meyer

In 2000, my daughter was born a leap-year baby. During my wife's pregnancy, I could think of no better role model than Annika Sorenstam, so we named our daughter Annika Wong. It was somewhat fitting, since my wife, Lana, is part Finnish.

I will miss Annika Sorenstam for her steely determination, true grit, quiet class, elegant manner, and grace, as she elevated women's golf during her LPGA career. Her self-mocking swoon after her 1st tee shot at the 2003 Bank of America Colonial captured her personality to a "tee". Being a long-time golf fan, I am at a loss to find another golfer (male or female) that will be as much of a thrill to watch on and off the golf course. Good luck on your next horizons, Annika!

Eric & Annika Wong

2003, two strokes from the Slam

In 2003, Annika:
- lost the Kraft Nabisco Championship by one stroke
- won McDonald's LPGA Championship
- missed the playoff in the U.S. Open by one stroke
- won the RICOH Women's British Open