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Annika Sörenstam

Annika Sörenstam is a Swedish-born American former professional golfer widely regarded as one of the greatest female golfers in history.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Annika Sörenstam is a Swedish-born American former professional golfer widely regarded as one of the greatest female golfers in history. During her career, she won 10 major championships and 72 LPGA Tour events before stepping away from full-time competitive golf after the 2008 season.

Early life and background

Annika Sörenstam was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on 9 October 1970. Sources describe her as Swedish-born and later American or Swedish-American.

Professional golf career

Sörenstam turned professional in 1992 and became one of the dominant players in women’s golf. She won 72 LPGA Tour events and 10 major championships, and she is widely ranked among the sport’s all-time greats.

Retirement and later recognition

She stepped away from regular competitive golf after the 2008 season. In 2021, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Legacy

Sörenstam is commonly cited as one of the best female golfers in history and a major figure in the growth and visibility of women’s golf. Her record and influence are frequently highlighted in biographical sources.

Key facts

  • Annika Sörenstam won 10 major championships and 72 LPGA Tour events.
  • She turned professional in 1992 and dominated women’s golf.
  • Sörenstam retired from full-time competition after the 2008 season.
  • She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021.
  • She is regarded as one of the greatest female golfers in history.
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Canadian context

Sörenstam’s career is relevant to Canadian readers through LPGA and international women’s golf coverage, including major tournaments in which Canadians and Canadian venues have been involved.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Annika Sörenstam?
She is a Swedish-born American former professional golfer and one of the most successful players in women’s golf history.
How many major championships did she win?
She won 10 major championships.
How many LPGA Tour wins does she have?
She won 72 official LPGA Tour events.
When was she born?
She was born on 9 October 1970.
When did she retire from full-time competition?
She stepped away from regular competitive golf after the 2008 season.
Did she receive major national honours?
Yes. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annika-Sorenstam
    Supports: Birth date and birthplace; Swedish-born American golfer; status as one of the most successful golfers in LPGA history; Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annika_S%C3%B6renstam
    Supports: 10 majors; 72 official LPGA Tour wins; retirement after the 2008 season; general career overview.
  3. Where2Golf — https://www.where2golf.com/whos-who/annika-sorenstam/
    Supports: Turned professional in 1992; retirement from regular competitive tour golf in 2008; career profile and post-tour activities.
  4. Encyclopedia-style biography source — https://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Sh-Z/Sorenstam-Annika.html
    Supports: Birth in Stockholm; early career recognition; Hall of Fame-related biographical context.