ANNIKA BOWS OUT WITH A BIRDIE
Annika Sorenstam final punch in a major?
An emotional Annika Sorenstam bowed out the majors in style today when she holed a 12-foot birdie putt at the last for a final round of 68 at the Ricoh Women's British Open at Sunningdale.
Sweden's former world number one, who has announced that she will step down from tournament play at the end of the year, had four birdies and an eagle at the 14th where she holed a 20-foot putt in her 57th and last major.
The putt at the last raised memories of Jack Nicklaus's birdie finish to his last major at the 2005 Open Championship at St Andrews.
"To finish with a birdie was a little bit extra," said Sorenstam, who has won 10 majors, including the 2003 Women's British Open.
"I kept it together pretty well today, but I was emotional on the first tee and coming up the final few holes.
"I was pleased to play well and score in the 60s. I just wish the birdie putt at the last had been for the championship."
As she walked up the final fairway, she was caught in a torrential downpour.
"But I didn't care about the rain," she said. "I saw a sign on the scoreboard saying 'Annika you'll be missed' and then I was greeted with all the applause.
"It's been 15 great years of golf and I just really enjoyed the moment. It was also nice to share it with my caddie (Terry McNamara). We've been together for nine years and we are great friends so I wanted him to enjoy it too."
In the coming week, Sorenstam will be playing in the Scandinavian TPC Championship in Sweden - a tournament she hosts - on the Ladies' European Tour.