Annika Sorenstam retired last month because, well, she's dominated the LPGA for more than a decade. Since joining the tour in 1994, she's racked up 72 career victories, including 10 major titles, and now she's ready to get on with the rest of her life. Can't say that I blame her. Back in May, Sorenstam hinted at wanting to devote more time to her growing business ventures and perhaps start a family. In this Nov. 2008 interview with Portfolio.com, it sounds like she will be plenty busy with the former. She has a foundation, a fragrance line, a clothing line and is in designing her sixth golf course. She also launching a wine label and will host golf tournaments.
As for the later, Sorenstam just got hitched to her boyfriend of three years, Mike McGee. Conveniently, McGee is the managing director for the ANNIKA business brand, which means they'll be spending every minute of every day together. Woo hoo, nuptials!
The couple will be busy over the next two weeks, prior to their honeymoon ski trip. Sorenstam will be hosting the first major initiative of her foundation, the ANNIKA Invitational, an AJGA event featuring 60 of the top female juniors from around the world. The event will be held at her academy at the Ginn Reunion Resort next weekend.Sorenstam is arguably the best women's golfer in the history of the sport, and her retirement will certainly leave a void on tour. And while the LPGA isn't in great shape (thanks economy, idiotic ideas), there are young players ready to build on what Annika's helped to make. It's a start.
