Earlier this year, Annika Sörenstam addressed entering the history books, reflecting

Talking to Today’s Golfer, Sörenstam addressed becoming the first woman to play on the PGA Tour since 1952, following in the footsteps of Shirley Spork.

"When I got that invite, I wanted to see how I could perform under that scrutiny and spotlight. There were a few mixed comments, but everything I did was about becoming a better player.”

Back in 2003, the 10-time major champion teed off at the Bank of America Colonial. She had been dominating the world #1 position for quite some time. At the time, Vijay Singh's comments about Sorenstam competing became a talking point.

“Even though I didn’t make the cut, I had a putt on the last hole to break even. I think I shot 72-74 and I beat a few guys. But at the end of the day, I think I learned a lot about myself and how to compete at such a high level. When I came back to the LPGA, it just felt like I was so prepared… more than I perhaps ever was.”

Even Tiger Woods thought so. Back then, he said, "I thought what she was doing for the sport of golf and for women was absolutely incredible. It took a lot of courage to do that, and to put herself out there on the limb like that, and put herself out there in front of the world to critique, criticize, and anything in between."

And Annika Sörenstam knew the responsibility she carried

As the world's No. 1 player, Sörenstam was the biggest role model for girls. She eventually embraced the position.

"Early on, I didn’t know what to do. I never went looking for the limelight. I didn’t play golf to be seen or be heard. I played golf because I love the sport. All of a sudden, I became one of the highlighted players, and that’s when I realised that I had this role outside the ropes as an ambassador and a role model for young girls."

Sörenstam backed up her words by establishing the Annika Foundation in 2007, an organization dedicated to developing young golfers.

"It was flattering, but I also took it very seriously, and I still do, because I remember growing up, looking up at other female athletes, and dreaming about doing what they were doing. They gave me that little bit of hope, that something to aim for and aspire to."

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar