Annika Sorenstam Returns to Golf at American Century Championship

Golfing icon Annika Sorenstam is making a return to the competitive scene, participating in the American Century Championship. But her goals go beyond just winning a celebrity golf event.

With an impressive record of 72 LPGA Tour victories, including 10 major championships, Sorenstam is also focused on promoting the Anica Foundation. Next month, she’ll be on the greens at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club, situated near Lake Tahoe.

The Foundation is dedicated to using the sport of golf to empower young women worldwide. “My foundation has been around for almost 20 years, and it’s all about advancing and empowering young women through sports,” she shared in a recent chat. “We initiate various programs—tournaments, resources, mentorships, scholarships, and more. We’ve set up clinics and involved about 1,000 girls every year, contributing around $10 million back to girls’ golf.”

Sorenstam looks forward to these tournaments. In 2014, she was the runner-up behind former NHL player Jeremy Roenick.

The American Century Championship brings together various personalities, with past winners including Mardy Fish, Stephen Curry, Tony Romo, and Vinny Del Negro. Sorenstam expressed her surprise at how skilled some non-professional athletes are, stating, “Many of them are younger and far more athletic than I am. Initially, it was something to see. But they practice a lot, and their skills are impressive. It can be really exhilarating to watch.”

“I get excited each year for this tournament,” she added. “The atmosphere and the event itself have so much going for it. Plus, with family and friends around, there are many reasons to enjoy it.”

The festival is scheduled to take place from July 9th to 13th, and it also organizes fundraising for both local and national charities. The tournament operates under a 54-hole Stableford format, where players accumulate points based on their scores, with the highest points crowning the winner.