ChAmpionShipS mediA GUide - USGA

10 Bob Jones AwardThe 2012 Bob Jones AwardAnnika Sorenstam, universally regarded as one of the mostdominant players in the history of women’s golf, was the recipientof the United States Golf Association’s 2012 Bob JonesAward.The USGA’s highest honor has been presented annually since1955 in recognition of distinguished sportsmanship in golf. TheAward seeks to recognize a person who emulates Jones’ spirit,his personal qualities and his attitude toward the game and itsplayers.“Annika has consistently exhibited the specific character trait –distinguished sportsmanship – that the Bob Jones Award wasestablished to recognize, and has done so while achieving alevel of success that few have equaled,” said USGA PresidentJim Hyler. “It is not only the number of tournaments that shewon during her incredible career, but the way she conductedherself, always gracious in victory and defeat, always respectfulof her opponents and the game itself.”In 2008, Sorenstam was named an Ambassador of the UnitedStates Golf Association, a role in which she helps the USGAmake the game more accessible to players of all skill levels.She has helped the USGA educate golfers through a series of“Play by the Rules” video vignettes and served as the honorarychairman for the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open at The Broadmoorin Colorado Springs, Colo.In 2009, she was named a Global Ambassador by theInternational Golf Federation, and she supported the successfuleffort to have golf added to the 2016 Olympic Games in Riode Janeiro. She dedicates much of her time to the ANNIKAFoundation, which she started in 2007 as a way to teach childrenthe importance of embracing a healthy, active lifestylethrough fitness and nutrition, and offer aspiring junior golfersopportunities to pursue their dreams. The Foundation haspartnered with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)to establish the Annika Invitational, an annual tournament forthe top 72 female junior golfers, and the ANNIKA Invitationalat Mission Hills, Asia’s first all-girls junior tournament. In 2011the Foundation partnered with The First Tee and the FloridaHospital to create Nine Healthy Habits, a school curriculumthat promotes kids living a healthy, active lifestyle.Sorenstam, who began playing golf at the age of 12, enjoyeda successful amateur career that included the 1991 NCAADivision I individual title and a runner-up finish at the 1992U.S. Women’s Amateur. She was a member of the SwedishTeam that won the 1992 Women’s World Amateur TeamChampionship shortly before she turned professional.During her 15-year career, Sorenstam earned 90 professionalworldwide victories, including 72 on the LPGA Tour, 10 ofwhich are major championships, including the 1995, 1996 and2006 U.S. Women’s Open titles. She earned a record eightRolex LPGA Player-of-the-Year awards, a record-tying eightmoney list titles and six Vare Trophies for the lowest scoringaverage. She played on eight European Solheim Cup Teamsand served as an assistant captain for the victorious EuropeanSolheim Cup Team in 2011. At the LPGA’s 2001 StandardRegister PING tournament, she became the first woman toshoot 59 in a professional round, and in 2003 she became thefirst woman to compete in a PGA Tour event since 1945 whenshe played in the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.Sorenstam was inducted into the LPGA and World Golf Hallsof Fame in 2003. Among the many honors she has receivedwas the 2003 Patty Berg Award, which recognizes contributionsto women’s golf. She was named the Associated PressFemale Athlete of the Year three times, in 2003, 2004 and2005. She was named the Female Player of the Year eight timesby the Golf Writers Association of America.Sorenstam stepped away from professional golf after the2008 season to focus on her family and the ANNIKA brand ofbusinesses, which include the ANNIKA Academy, ANNIKAFinancial Group, ANNIKA Course Design, the ANNIKACollection of apparel with Cutter & Buck, signature high-endwines with Wente Vineyards and an online retail shop, shopannika.com.Sorenstam and her husband, Mike McGee, live inFlorida with their two young children, Ava and Will.“It is truly an honor to receive the prestigious Bob Jones Awardfrom the USGA, as the past recipients are some of the greatestnames in the history of the game,” said Sorenstam. “He isknown for his character and I have always tried to pride myselfon being respectful to others both on and off the course.Though I am no longer competing, I appreciate the USGArecognizing our hard work and I will continue to try to growand promote the game through many foundation initiatives.”