Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Pay it forward: Annika Sorenstam passing along advice to younger players

Written by 
Published in Golf
Thursday, 21 January 2021 10:07

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Danielle Kang’s success since working with Butch Harmon has been well documented. But her success since working with Annika Sorenstam? Well, Sunday could tell the tale.

Thursday, Kang surged to the lead at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions with an opening-round 64. Also in the field this week, in the celebrity division, is Sorenstam, the 72-time LPGA Tour winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member. Sorenstam, who sits seventh among the celebrities after Round 1, revealed she has been working with the five-time LPGA winner.

“We've had some conversations over the phone and just kind of get her mentally ready,” said Sorenstam, who was in the group behind Kang on Thursday. “So it was fun to see her play.”

Kang isn’t the only LPGA player seeking lessons from the legend.

Sorenstam played the opening round alongside defending champion Gaby Lopez. Growing up in Mexico, Lopez idolized Lorena Ochoa but she also looked up to Sorenstam. The 27-year-old took advantage of the opportunity to learn from the Hall of Famer on Thursday.

“We talked a lot about short-term goals,” Lopez said about her round with Sorenstam. “She dominated in so many ways and she was always asking herself, ‘How can I just get better in this area, this area?’ Just breaking it down so she feels she's achieving different goals in the short-term to gain confidence, be comfortable.”

There is a lot of red, white and blue atop the Diamond Resorts leaderboard, which has to make Pat Hurst smile.

Many players in the field grew up watching Sorenstam, but most didn’t get a chance to play with her in her prime. Sorenstam retired in 2008. Kang joined the Tour in 2012 and Lopez in 2016.

“I was talking to Gaby and she goes, ‘Tell me, how do you prepare and keep the focus for so long?’” Sorenstam said. “I'm trying to think. I'm all over the place, but just trying to say what I remember.”

Any lessons Sorenstam can share are a bonus for those who get to play with her, which is a learning experience in itself.

“When I was growing up, I wish I could be Lorena Ochoa or Annika Sorenstam,” Lopez said. “Today was probably one of the luckiest days of my life being able to play with her in a competitive round.”

Read 265 times

Soccer

Man City's Foden named PL Player of the Season

Man City's Foden named PL Player of the Season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPhil Foden has been named the Premier League's Player of the Season...

Klopp: Liverpool ready for exciting new direction

Klopp: Liverpool ready for exciting new direction

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJürgen Klopp has said Liverpool will move in an "exciting direction...

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

Madueke backs Lavia to take Chelsea to next level

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNoni Madueke believes Chelsea are starting to "take shape" under Ma...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

Pacers spurred by fiery Carlisle, roll into Game 7

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsINDIANAPOLIS -- When the Indiana Pacers fell behind 2-0 in their se...

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

Sources: Porzingis likely out for start of East finals

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBoston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to remain side...

Baseball

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

Twins frustrated by plate ump, rare rule violation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Following a one-run loss, Minnesota manager Rocco Bald...

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

'This fan base is going to fall in love with him': How Luis Arráez is following in Tony Gwynn's footsteps

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsComparisons to Tony Gwynn began to follow Luis Arráez when he first...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated