From the first birdie at the very first hole of her final round, everyone knew it was Annika Sorenstam’s day to win. Sorenstam claimed another four birdies today, but what’s more impressive is that she only made three bogeys the entire week, all during her third round. A final round 5-under par 67, 23-under par for the tournament, separated the Swede from her nearest competitors by an unbelievable ten strokes.
Sorenstam said it best at the 18th, “It feels wonderful. I’m happy the way I’ve played. It’s great to come back here and have fun!”
It is Annika’s 60th win on the LPGA Tour, her 39th coming from a leading position, and her fourth number-one this year. Her winnings are now over $900,000 dollars. If you count Sorenstam’s 12 international wins which are not part of her official LPGA stats, the 34-year old swede officially claims 72 wins.
Sorenstam now ties LPGA veteran Patty Berg for third place on the list of career wins, with only Kathy Whitworth (88 tour wins) and Mickey Wright’s (1964 – 82 tour wins) records left to conquer. The young collegiate golfers watch her during a round as if she’s giving a clinic. Even though a bit intimidating to play against, Annika has become an icon to the younger set. There is even a Swedish saying which Annika Sorenstam plays by which states that every hole at the golf course can be birdied. She doesn’t see anything as impossible and that is what makes her a superstar.
Sorenstam will not be playing next week at the Sybase Classic but will return the following week to compete in the Corning Classic, both New York venues.
Cristie Kerr and Candie Kung both shot 7-under par 65 today to claim the low round but it was Kung who grabbed solo second place. After birdies at 17 and 18, Kung stated, “I was just trying to make the putt and finish 2nd. I was hitting good all weekend. It was just a matter of putts going in the hole”. When asked about Sorenstam’s terrific win today, Candie exclaimed, “We were playing a different tournament. She’s up there in her own little world.”
Kerr carded 7 birdies and a bogey-free round but came in solo third place even though she had birdies on both 17 and 18 like Kung. Kerr won last week after playing a grueling36 holes on Sunday at the Michelob Ultra Open with Sorenstam in the field, but could not chase down Annika this week.
Wendy Ward (69), who tied for 4th with Silvia Cavallieri and Emilee Klein, rimmed her 18th putt, which fell in for a birdie. As the announcer stated, “It was an all-around good putt!” Ward birdied four additional holes with only two bogies today, both on the front nine.
Brit Laura Davies, who lead in first round action, eagled twice today at the 6th and 18th today to finish in a tie for 7th with Lorena Ochoa and three other great golfers.
Amateur Morgan Pressel (70) tied for 23rd with Natalie Gulbis (70), Swedish mom Carin Koch (71) and five other golfers with a 4-under par for the tournament.
Pos Player Today Tot R1 R2 R3 R4 1 Annika Sorenstam -5 -23 67 64 67 67 2 Candie Kung -7 -13 69 71 70 65 3 Cristie Kerr -7 -12 68 73 70 65 T4 Wendy Ward -3 -10 69 73 67 69 T4 Silvia Cavalieri -3 -10 74 70 65 69 T4 Emilee Klein -2 -10 70 70 68 70 T7 Birdie Kim -3 -8 69 73 69 69 T7 Laura Davies -3 -8 66 76 69 69 T7 Heather Bowie -1 -8 68 69 72 71 T7 Candy Hannemann -1 -8 69 72 68 71 T7 Lorena Ochoa -1 -8 68 71 70 71
Photo Credit: © AP.