Features

Annika Sorenstam

1 Dec 2006 by intern22

The Stockholm-born golfer again leads the international LPGA team in the Lexus Cup – the season-ending event on the LPGA Tour from December 15 to 17 in Singapore. She lets Margie T Logarta in on how she maintains her composure during tough moments on the greens.

What’s the routine you follow when preparing for a tournament? Do you do anything to help psyche yourself up – meditation, exercise, read?

Of course, the best preparation for any tournament is practice. I try to keep my routine the same during the week. 

On tournament days, just getting to the course about 90 minutes before I tee off allows me to go through my warm-up routine, being very comfortable and relaxed. After that, I am physically and mentally prepared for my round.

How do you stay focused during a game – for example, when it’s not going the way you want it to or the crowd is too distracting?

You have to learn to block all of that out through practice and putting yourself in those situations.  If I have a bad shot, I have to forget about it and focus on the next shot. Play one shot at a time. 

With your sporting commitments, do you ever get to go on holiday, and when you do manage,must your hotel or resort have a golf course?

Well, my playing schedule is quite busy and it doesn’t leave much time for vacation, but I am able to get away sometimes. I was fortunate enough to have visited Bermuda and I would love the chance to return there someday.

Do you try to pick up a souvenir from places you visit?

I am not really a typical souvenir person. I don’t collect many “things”, but I will buy things that represent the reflection of the local culture – like food, wine or art.


Zooming through different time zones must affect one’s health. How do you keep fit?

It is most important to get lots of rest, drink plenty of water and eat right while you are travelling – and try to adjust to the local time as fast as possible.


What airline has been memorable for you during your travels?

Singapore Airlines’ friendly and comfortable service!


As a celebrity, it’s tough, sometimes impossible, to have a private life. Do you have one?

I have been pretty lucky in that I have been able to maintain a private life. Of course, there are times when people want autographs or something when I am out, but I accept that as part of my job, being in the public eye. 

It is nice to be recognised for my hard work and achievements, and most of the time people are very respectful and understanding.


What are your interests outside of golf?

I love to cook, work out and spend time with family and friends.

Who or what has had the greatest impact on your life whether personally or as a sportsperson? Why?

Really, my parents have always been the greatest influences on my life. I don’t really have one particular sports hero that I look up to. 

Rather, there are many athletes that I admire for different traits. I try to take the best qualities and embrace those. (Editor’s note: Annika and Tiger Woods are texting buddies.)


There’s another Annika out there waiting to be discovered, is that why you’re enhancing your legacy by organising your own LPGA tournament, The Ginn Tribute, putting up the Annika Sorenstam Academy of Golf and designing the Patriots Point Links? Why do you think great golfers always end up designing golf courses – is that a very fulfilling achievement as well?

Absolutely. I have worked very hard at this game to get where I am, and I feel a responsibility to give back to the sport that has been so good to me.

Being able to share my passion and inspire another golfer to reach their potential is very rewarding. I think golf course design is a natural extension for many great golfers. It provides a challenge with another set of skills.

What won’t you leave home without (aside from your clubs)?

My cell phone!

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