Retired great Annika Sorenstam surprised by invite to join Augusta National membership
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Swedish golfing great Annika Sorenstam said it was too soon to say what influence she would have.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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FLORIDA – Swedish golfing great Annika Sorenstam said on Wednesday she was surprised by the recent invitation for her to join the renowned Augusta National Golf Club and called it one of the happiest days of her life.
Sorenstam, a 10-time Major champion who has won 90 titles worldwide, is the first LPGA professional to become a member at the exclusive Augusta, Georgia-based golf club that has been home of the US Masters since 1934.
Former United States secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and financier Darla Moore became the first women to don Augusta National’s renowned green jackets in 2012 when the club, after years of criticism over its male-only status, admitted its first female members.
“I mean, what can I say? I’m extremely honoured,” Sorenstam said ahead of her namesake event on the LPGA Tour taking place next week at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
“It was a surprise, I must say that. And I was so excited, you know, one of the most happiest days of my golf life.”
Sorenstam was speaking on a teleconference with tennis great Billie Jean King and motor racing pioneer Lyn St James to promote Parity Week by Gainbridge, a celebration of the three sporting greats centred on events taking place next week.
The other two events that will make up Parity Week by Gainbridge are the Billie Jean King Cup Finals and the Women in Motorsports North America summit.
The 53-year-old Sorenstam, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003, may now be a member of one of the most powerful clubs in the world of golf but she said it was too soon to say what influence she would have.
“It’s super new so I am a total rookie and I’m am just learning the ropes,” said the Swede, who has 72 LPGA Tour victories.
“I am not really sure where this will lead but I am thrilled and excited about the opportunity not just to play the course but just to get to know the members.”
King made no secret about what impact she hopes Sorenstam can have at Augusta National, which in 2019 began hosting the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
“I know they have the amateur girls but I want to see a (women’s) pro tournament and so anyway I hope that happens and I think you will make a big difference,” King said to Sorenstam.
“You stand for so much and people listen to you and appreciate you.” REUTERS
