Debut In Olympics Ignites Annika Sorenstam's Enthusiasm

Annika Sorenstam, a 72-time winner on the LPGA Tour, retired as a professional after last season to start a family and pursue golf-related business. She gave birth to daughter Ava on Sept. 1.

But after helping golf become an Olympic sport, Annika Sorenstam isn’t ruling out a return to the game for a chance at gold.

Golf last week was added to the Olympic program, starting with the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. The 10-time major champion was an ambassador for the sport’s effort to be included, but is taking a wait-and-see approach on whether she’ll make a comeback.

“2016 is a long ways,” Sorenstam, 39, said in a Bloomberg Television interview. “We’ll see if I get the bug again and want to go out and practice and get back on tour. The competition is so tough. Seven years from now, who knows what can happen?”

Sorenstam has stayed involved in the game since retiring. In addition to running a golf school in Florida, she’s an adviser to the LPGA’s Board of Directors’ search for a new commissioner to replace Carolyn Bivens, who stepped down in July.

"I understand the players' part and a little bit of the business going around in the industry, so I’m there if they need me," Sorenstam said. “I still care about the tour and want the tour to get back on track.”

Golf hasn’t been immune to the recession as the LPGA Tour has lost sponsors and tournaments. Sorenstam has also felt the crunch as she embarks on a business career.

"Huge Challenge"

"People are not going to golf schools as much as they used to so I can’t think of a tougher time to start a business than I did," she said. "If I had a crystal ball, I probably would have waited."

Although she called the current economic situation a “huge challenge,” Sorenstam, who won more than $22 million during her career, said she's willing to keep going.

"I'm very competitive, I’m working as hard now as I ever have," she said. “I’m just thinking, "Hey I’m going to try and keep in here and hang in, and once the economy turns around I’m looking for some positive news."

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