Sorenstam Named USGA Ambassador
Three-time U.S. Women's Open champion and World Golf and LPGA Hall-of-Fame member Annika Sorenstam has been named a United States Golf Association Ambassador, according to USGA President Jim Vernon.
"Annika has earned a rare place in golf's history, and we are very privileged to bring her aboard the USGA," said Vernon. "As a USGA Ambassador, Annika will help us make the game more accessible and more relevant to players of all skill levels. She'll provide key help in many ways, and we will begin the relationship through an innovative webcast from this year's U.S. Women's Open."
Sorenstam's first round at the championship, to be held at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn., (June 26-29), will be streamed live on the USGA's U.S. Women's Open championship website (www.uswomensopen.com), a first in the world of women's golf. "Users will be able to view every shot that she and the other players in her grouping make during her first round on June 26," said Vernon.
On Friday of the championship, June 27, the site will stream video featuring the traditional grouping of defending U.S. Women's Open champion Cristie Kerr, Women's British Open champion Lorena Ochoa and U.S. Women's Amateur champion Maria Uribe. The 2008 U.S. Women's Open will be the first international women's golf event to feature this option.
Universally regarded as one of the most dominant players in LPGA history, Sorenstam raised the profile of women's golf to an unprecedented level while compiling a remarkable list of records and accomplishments. After turning professional in 1992, and beginning play on the LPGA in 1994, Sorenstam has recorded 88 career wins (72 on the LPGA and U.S. Women's Open titles in 1995, 1996 and 2006). Her record includes 10 major championships. She earned a record eight Rolex Player-of-the-Year awards; a record-tying eight money list titles; six Vare Trophies for the lowest scoring average; was named Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year eight times and became the first player in LPGA history to cross the $22 million mark in earnings. She has participated on eight Solheim Cup teams and was inducted into the LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame in 2003.
