Annika Sörenstam is quite rightly regarded as one of the greatest female golfers of all time.
Over the course of her career, the Swedish great captured 72 LPGA Tour titles, including 10 Major Championships, 17 Ladies European Tour titles and was named LPGA Player of the Year eight times. But perhaps Sörenstam’s greatest legacy is the example she has set as a role model.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has always been gracious and humble, both on and off the course. She never let success go to her head, always fought for equality and was willing to help youngsters who looked up to her. Her approachability and kindness made her a beloved figure in the world of golf.
Legacy
Her legacy in creating opportunities for women to play the game was cemented even further in 2021 when the DP World Tour, with the significant help of Sörenstam and Henrik Stenson, founded the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed – a first of its kind tournament, with 78 men and 78 women battling out for the one trophy and one prize fund.
“I love the inclusiveness of this competition,” said Sörenstam, who has competed in the last two editions.
“That men and women, all professional golfers, compete together in Sweden on the same course and for the same prize money – it’s fantastic for golf. I want to inspire the next generation and also make golf grow around the world. Through the ANNIKA foundation, I have the privilege to actually try to achieve these goals and also in my new role as President of the International Golf Federation.
“I believe that the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed will play an important role in how we will get there. By bringing together the best men and the best women on the same course, the competition raises the foundation’s mission to make golf grow among girls. My hope is that many girls will follow the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed and feel the confidence to one day also participate in this type of competition.
“The tournament also feels important on a personal level. I grew up playing with boys. This golf competition closes my circle. I think it feels very fun to continue to be part of the adventure with the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed and show girls and boys in and outside of Sweden the possibilities of this wonderful sport. This is a special event for many reasons.”
Desire
With Sörenstam’s burning desire to give back to the game that has turned her into a global superstar, it seemed only fitting that her compatriot Linn Grant claimed an emphatic victory at last year’s Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed.
The 23-year-old, who played in ANNIKA Foundation events as a junior, received an invitation from Sorenstam into the inaugural edition, before playing the first two rounds with the Swedish legend last year.
Grant played some sensational golf all week in Tylösand, posting rounds of 66, 68 and 66 on the opening three days to open up a two-shot lead after 54 holes. And she kept her foot on the gas on Sunday, reeling off eight birdies and no bogeys to become the first woman to win on the DP World Tour and write her name in the history books.
Foundation Success
“Linn played our ANNIKA Foundation events as a junior, so it was really special to see her win last year,” said Sörenstam. “Her victory shows that we can play against each other in a fair competition. I hope people see the quality of women’s golf.”
In Annika Sörenstam, Grant and junior golfers across world have a towering role model. Her work ethic, success on the course, and eagerness to give back to the game have all helped to pave the way for future generations of female golfers. As women’s golf continues to grow in popularity, Sörenstam’s legacy will continue to inspire youngsters to pursue their dreams, both on and off the course.
