Annika Sorenstam teeing up in Scandinavian Mixed event along with Henrik Stenson

Former world No 1 Annika Sörenstam is to make the exciting new Scandinavian Mixed event involving European Tour and Ladies European Tour players as her first event no Swedish soil in 13 years.

Annika Sorenstam, pictured during the Gainbridge LPGA at Lake Nona in Florida in February, is to play on Swedish soil for the first time in 13 years in June. Picture: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images.

It had already been announced that Sörenstam would be hosting the event along with fellow major winner Henrik Stenson and now she has decided to also be competing along with her compatriot at Vallda Golf and Country Club in Gothenburg from 10-13 June.

After 13 years away from professional golf, Sörenstam made the cut in February this year at her first competitive outing at the Gainbridge LPGA at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Florida.

She will now return to action on home soil this summer following her last appearance on home soil at the 2008 Scandinavian TPC in Stockholm.

“I’m excited to tee it up at the Scandinavian Mixed and to be back playing competitively in my home country of Sweden for the first time in 13 years,” said Sörenstam, a 10-time major winner.

“Since retiring in 2008, I have dedicated a lot of my time to the ANNIKA Foundation, which hosts seven global events for junior girls each year including the ANNIKA Invitational Europe.

“That will be at Isaberg Golf Club in Sweden following this year’s tournament, so I felt like it was a perfect opportunity to actually play in this historic event bringing women and men together in a combined professional tournament.

“It is another way to bring our game to the younger generation in Sweden and for those watching around the world, showcasing that golf is truly a game for everyone.”

The field for the new event, which had been due to take place last year in Stockholm before being cancelled due to the Covid-19 lockdown, will comprise 78 men and 78 women.

With a prize fund of €1 million, the players will be competing for the same trophy, while Race to Dubai and Ryder Cup points will be up for European Tour members and Race to Costa del Sol and Solheim Cup points for the Ladies European Tour players.

“I’m delighted that Annika, one of the greatest golfers the world has ever seen, will be teeing it up at Vallda this June,” said Stenson, the 2016 Open champion and an 11-time European Tour winner.

“It’s going to be a great week and I’m sure a real thrill for all of the players in the field to have someone of Annika’s stature playing in the tournament.

“I can’t wait to see the dynamics of having both men and women going head-to-head for the same trophy and putting it all on the line come Sunday afternoon.

“Our hope is that through the Scandinavian Mixed, and many other golf tournaments, Annika and myself can help inspire the next generation of golfers in Sweden and around the world.

“The Henrik Stenson Foundation is committed to helping children with a dream by providing the initial spark to start them on their mission in life, with our initial focus on Paragolf and junior golf, delivering international events and scholarships highlighting the inclusive nature of our game."

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