Annika Sörenstam is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in history, with an illustrious career that has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Known for her precision, dominance, and groundbreaking achievements, Sörenstam’s journey from a shy Swedish girl to a global golf legend is nothing short of inspiring.
Annika Sorenstam’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Annika Charlotta Sörenstam |
| Nickname | Annika |
| Born | October 9, 1970, in Bro, Sweden |
| Age | 54 years |
| College | University of Arizona |
| Nationality | Swedish-American |
| Height | 5′ 6″ (168 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 1992 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $45 million |
| Salary | Varies |
| Spouse | Mike McGee |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @annikas59 |
Early Career
Annika’s golf journey began during her teenage years in Sweden. She excelled as an all-around athlete but gravitated toward golf due to her natural talent.
After moving to the United States to play collegiate golf at the University of Arizona, she won the NCAA Division I Championship in 1991. This victory marked the start of her rise in the golfing world.
She turned professional in 1992 and quickly made a name for herself by winning the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year award in 1993.
Professional Career
Annika Sörenstam’s professional career is nothing short of legendary. She joined the LPGA Tour in 1994 and claimed her first LPGA victory in 1995 at the U.S. Women’s Open.
Over her career, she amassed an astonishing 72 LPGA Tour wins, including ten major championships. She is also the only woman in history to shoot a round of 59 in an official tournament.
Her dominance peaked in the early 2000s when she won 11 tournaments in a single season (2002) and became the first woman since 1945 to compete in a men’s PGA Tour event at the Bank of America Colonial in 2003.
Husband
Annika Sörenstam married Mike McGee, the managing director of her ANNIKA brand, on January 10, 2009.
The couple has two children: Ava Madelyn McGee and William Nicholas McGee. They live together as a family in Florida.
Annika Sorenstam’s Net Worth Details
Annika Sörenstam’s net worth is estimated to be $45 million as of 2025. Her wealth comes from her successful golfing career, endorsements, business ventures under the ANNIKA brand, and various investments.
Prize Money
Annika Sörenstam remains the all-time leader on the LPGA Career Money List with over $22 million earned during her career.
| Year | Prize Money Earned |
|---|---|
| Career Total | $22 million+ |
Endorsements
- Callaway Golf
- Rolex
- Cutter & Buck
- Lexus
- Mastercard
- Oakley
Career Records
Annika Sörenstam faced many great competitors during her career and often emerged victorious.
| Tournament | Opponent(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Women’s Open (2006) | Pat Hurst | Won via playoff |
| Kraft Nabisco Championship | Rosie Jones | Won by eight strokes |
| Safeway International | Lorena Ochoa | Won via playoff |
FAQs
1. Who is Annika Sorenstam?
Annika Sorenstam is a retired Swedish professional golfer, widely regarded as one of the greatest female golfers in history. She has won 96 international professional tournaments, including 72 LPGA events and 10 major championships, making her the female golfer with the most wins in history.
2. When and where was Annika Sorenstam born?
Annika Sorenstam was born on October 9, 1970, in Bro, Sweden, near Stockholm. She grew up in a sports-loving family and initially played tennis and soccer before focusing on golf.
3. What are some of Annika Sorenstam’s most notable achievements?
Sorenstam achieved numerous milestones, including being the first woman since 1945 to compete in a PGA Tour event (2003 Bank of America Colonial). She won eight Player of the Year awards, six Vare Trophies for the lowest scoring average, and remains the only female golfer to shoot a 59 in competition.
4. What is Annika Sorenstam’s career earnings?
By the end of her career, Annika Sorenstam had earned over $22 million in prize money, making her the highest-earning female golfer in LPGA history.
5. Did Annika Sorenstam attend college?
Yes, Annika attended the University of Arizona on a golf scholarship. During her freshman year, she won the NCAA individual championship, becoming the first freshman and foreigner to achieve this feat.
6. What is Annika Sorenstam’s connection to golf course design?
After retiring from competitive golf, Sorenstam became a golf course architect. Her projects include courses in China, South Africa, South Korea, and the United States. She faced challenges as a woman in this field but has successfully designed several acclaimed golf courses.
7. What is the ANNIKA Foundation?
The ANNIKA Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Sorenstam to promote women’s golf and healthy lifestyles through tournaments and educational initiatives. It reflects her passion for giving back to the sport.
8. What records does Annika Sorenstam hold?
Annika holds several records, including the lowest season scoring average (68.6969 in 2004) and being the only LPGA player to win Player of the Year, Vare Trophy, and Money List titles in five different years.
9. What awards has Annika Sorenstam received?
She has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame (2003), received eight Rolex Player of the Year awards, six Vare Trophies, and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021 for her contributions to golf.
10. Did Annika Sorenstam ever return to competitive golf after retirement?
Yes, after retiring from regular tournament play in 2008, she returned to win the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in 2021 at age 50.
