After a career spanning 15 years, Annika Sorenstam has anounced her retirement. Annika won the 72nd title of her career on Sunday and announced that she plans to retire at the end of the season.
2007 was not kind to Annika who remained winless due to injuries. This year, the 37 year old golfer has won three tournaments. Sorenstam won Sunday at the Michelob Ultra Open, bringing her career earnings to $22 million.
Sorenstam said:
“I have given it my all and it has been fun. I came back from an injury last year. I am healthy. I feel good. I have started strong this season and I will be leaving the game on my own terms.â€
Sorenstam dropped to number two on the money list and in the world rankings a year ago. Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa is number one in both categories. Before this season is over, Sorenstam will attempt to get the number one spot back. She has been in 8 tournaments in 2008, finishing in the top 10 (3 wins) in all but one outing.
Annika plans to marry Mike McFee in January of 2009 and plans to devote herself to her golf academy and golf course architecture firm. She is also focused on starting a family, something that would have been difficult while on the tour.
She also added…
“I felt it was my responsibility to the LPGA and to the fans to let them know now. I want to be fair to everyone. I have other priorities. … I’m happy, content and at peace.”
Sorenstam’s career to date includes 72 wins on the LPGA Tour, 10 major championships, eight Rolex Player of the Year awards (1995, 1997-98, and 2001-05), eight money titles, six Vare Trophies for lowest scoring average and eight Solheim Cup selections. She has 206 career top 10s, was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year from 2003-05, and she was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.