Annika Sorenstam (Sweden), the’golf empress’ with 72 wins in the LPGA’s career, finished tied for third place in the celebrity (celebrity) category of the 2023 LPGA season opening game.
On the 23rd (Korean time), the LPGA Tour season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, ended at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club (par 72) in Orlando, Florida, USA. Brooke Henderson (Canada) recorded a final total of 16 under par 272 and achieved the ‘Wire-to-Wire’ championship.
Not only professional players, but also retired athletes and celebrities participated in this competition. Professional players and celebrities play in the same group, but each in a different way. Professional players follow the general stroke play method, and celebrities follow the modified Stableford method (eagle 5 points, birdie 3 points, par 2 points, bogey 1 point, double bogey 0 points).
Sorenstam made her first appearance at the event in 2021. Although she entered as a celebrity, her 2008 first appearance on an official LPGA Tour event 13 years after her retirement drew attention. Sorenstam competed in her official tournament as a player a month after the tournament, after which she made occasional appearances on the LPGA Tour and senior events.
The tournament changed its location to Lake Nona Golf and Country Club last year. This is where Sorenstam got married and she still lives here. Sorenstam won the runner-up last year after an overtime match with former baseball player Derek Law (USA). 먹튀검증
This year, Sorenstam participated in the competition held in the ‘Anbang’ without fail. Perhaps thanks to the comfortable atmosphere, Sorenstam showed off a shot that was as good as in his prime. He even took the lead on the first day of the tournament. Sorenstam, who scored 133 points over four days, finished the tournament in a tie for third place.
Meanwhile, former tennis player Mardi Fish (USA) won the celebrity category. Fish boasted a short game ability comparable to that of a professional player. Fish, who scored a total of 152 points, won with an overwhelming gap over second place Mark Mulder (USA, 136 points).