LPGA Superstar Annika Sorenstam Retires

After a brilliant 15 year career, LPGA celebrity Annika Sorenstam is hanging it up. The phenom took home the 72nd golf title of her career on Sunday and announced that she plans to retire at the end of the season.2007 was a rough season for the Swedish athlete who remained winless due to injuries. This year the 37 year old golfer has won three tournaments. With her win on Sunday at the Michelob Ultra Open, Sorenstam has career earning of $22 million.

Sorenstam was quoted saying:I have given it my all and it has been fun. I came back from an injury last year. I am healthy. I feel good. I have started strong this season and I will be leaving the game on my own terms.”Sorenstam dropped to number two on the money list and in the world rankings a year ago. Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa is number one in both categories. Before this season is over, Sorenstam will attempt to get the number one spot back. She has been in 8 tournaments in 2008, finishing in the top 10 (3 wins) in all but one outing.

Annika will marry Mike McFee in January 2009 and plans to devote herself to her golf academy and golf course architecture firm and she is also focused on starting a family, something that would have been difficult while on the tour.Don’t put it past Sorenstam to recapture her top status before the year is over. She’s hot right now and there’s no telling what she can accomplish. Stay tuned.