After all she's done for women's golf, Annika Sorenstam deserves to go out on her terms, to crib a phrase from her farewell press conference. But from the selfish standpoint of a hardcore LPGA fan, I wish she'd hang on for a few more seasons.
Sorenstam has always been an obsessive number-cruncher, and she has to know that every meaningful career record would be in play if she hung on through 2010, notably Kathy Whitworth's mark of 88 wins and Patty Berg's 15 career majors, though the latter number would be harder to reach. (Annika has 72 and 10, respectively.) Chasing these historic achievements would provide enduring drama, especially with the parallel pursuit on the other circuit by her buddy Tiger Woods.
More immediately, Sorenstam's rivalry with Lorena Ochoa has never been juicier. I was at Kingsmill last week when Annika gave the world's No. 1 player an old-fashioned butt-kicking. It was Sorenstam's most impressive victory in two years, and I was dazzled as much by her palpable intensity as by her precise play. Annika's Sunday playing partner, Christina Kim, described the performance as "stupid good." Ochoa certainly took notice, saying afterward, "I always knew 2008 was going to be a very tough year because Annika wants to get back to where she was."
Ochoa and Sorenstam are perfect foils — fire and ice, feel vs. technique, explosiveness contrasted against breathtaking efficiency. Injury and off-course pursuits rendered Annika mostly a spectator over the last couple seasons as Lorena emerged as the LPGA's dominant force. But with Sorenstam suddenly looking like her old self again, there is potential for some epic showdowns in the coming months, especially at the majors. Should that come to pass, it will be a painful tease, knowing the end is so near. Suzann Pettersen and Paula Creamer are nice players, but so far they've been unable to stop Ochoa's hegemony. Right now only Sorenstam has the game and the force of personality to be a true rival.
It is Annika's dedication to being the best that will ultimately drive her from the game. She's an all-or-nothing type; being a part-time golfer and a part-time wife/mother holds no appeal for her. So at year's end she will walk away, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and enduring class. No one wants to see a beloved athlete hang on too long. This is the rare case where a couple more years would have been welcomed.
