What Happened to Annika Charlotta Sörenstam?
Annika Sörenstam, widely regarded as one of the greatest female golfers of all time, transitioned from a dominant LPGA Tour career, which concluded in 2008, to become a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. She remains deeply involved in golf through her ANNIKA Foundation, course design, and occasional senior competitive appearances, including winning the 2021 U.S. Senior Women's Open and participating in Legends events in 2026.
Quick Answer
Annika Sörenstam retired from full-time professional golf in 2008 to focus on family and her burgeoning business ventures. Since then, she has built the ANNIKA brand, encompassing golf course design, apparel, and the ANNIKA Foundation, which promotes junior and women's golf globally. She made a successful return to competitive golf by winning the 2021 U.S. Senior Women's Open and continues to participate in Legends of the LPGA events, with an appearance scheduled for August 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in Bro, Sweden
Annika Charlotta Sörenstam was born in Bro, Stockholm County, Sweden.
Turns Professional
Sörenstam turned professional after a successful amateur and collegiate career at the University of Arizona.
LPGA Rookie of the Year
She joined the LPGA Tour and was named Rookie of the Year.
First LPGA Win and U.S. Women's Open Title
Sörenstam won her first LPGA Tour title at the U.S. Women's Open, marking her breakout year.
Shoots Historic 59
She became the first and only female professional golfer to shoot a 59 in a Tour competition at the Standard Register Ping.
Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame; Competes on PGA Tour
Sörenstam was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and made history by becoming the first woman since 1945 to compete in a PGA Tour event at the Bank of America Colonial.
Establishes ANNIKA Foundation
She founded the ANNIKA Foundation, dedicated to promoting junior girls' golf and healthy lifestyles.
Retires from Competitive Golf
Annika Sörenstam retired from regular competitive golf at the end of the season to focus on family and business.
Marries Mike McGee and Welcomes Daughter Ava
She married Mike McGee and they welcomed their first child, daughter Ava.
Welcomes Son Will
Her son, Will, was born, completing their family.
Captains European Solheim Cup Team
Sörenstam served as the captain for the European Solheim Cup team.
Wins U.S. Senior Women's Open and Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
She made a successful return to competitive golf by winning the U.S. Senior Women's Open and was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Partners with Women's All Pro Tour
Announced a five-year partnership with the Women's All Pro Tour, rebranding it as the ANNIKA Women's All Pro Tour to support aspiring professionals.
ANNIKA Foundation Announces 2026 Global Schedule
The ANNIKA Foundation released its comprehensive 2026 global events schedule, including clinics, junior invitationals, and collegiate championships.
Son Will Caddies at Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions
Her son, Will, caddied for her during the opening rounds of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, highlighting her family's involvement in golf.
Announced to Play in Woodford Legends Invitational
It was announced that Sörenstam would compete in the 4th annual Woodford Legends Invitational in August 2026, teaming with her sister Charlotta.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Annika Sörenstam's career on the LPGA Tour was marked by unparalleled dominance, accumulating 72 official LPGA victories and 10 major championships before her retirement from regular competition at the end of the 2008 season. Her decision to step away, while still at the height of her powers, was primarily driven by a desire to start a family and explore business opportunities beyond competitive golf.
Following her retirement, Sörenstam married Mike McGee in 2009 and welcomed daughter Ava in 2009 and son Will in 2011, prioritizing family life. Concurrently, she expanded the 'ANNIKA' brand, which includes ANNIKA Course Design, a high-end women's golf apparel line (ANNIKA Collection), and various other ventures. A significant turning point in her post-playing career was the establishment of the ANNIKA Foundation in 2007, dedicated to developing junior girls' golf and promoting healthy lifestyles through clinics, tournaments, and scholarships worldwide.
While largely retired from competitive play, Sörenstam made a notable return in 2021, winning the U.S. Senior Women's Open by eight shots, her first USGA event in 13 years and her fourth USGA title overall. This victory underscored her enduring skill and passion for the game. She also accepted the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021, recognizing her contributions to sports and society.
In recent years, Sörenstam has maintained a highly active role in the golf world. In 2023, she partnered with the Women's All Pro Tour, transforming it into the ANNIKA Women's All Pro Tour, aimed at providing a pathway for aspiring female professionals to the Epson and LPGA Tours. The ANNIKA Foundation continues to announce extensive global event schedules, including junior invitationals and collegiate championships, with a robust lineup planned for 2026. As of July 2026, Sörenstam remains a prominent figure, participating in Legends of the LPGA events, such as the Woodford Legends Invitational scheduled for August 2026, where she will team up with her sister Charlotta. She also recently commented on the impact of LIV Golf on the PGA Tour, acknowledging its role in increasing purses and revamping formats.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Annika Charlotta Sörenstam made different choices?