Annika Sorenstam's LPGA return at Lake Nona is a one-off appearance

Annika Sorenstam has stressed that her return to the LPGA Tour for this week’s event at Lake Nona in Florida.

Annika Sorenstam is making her first appearance in an official, full-field LPGA event in the LPGA Gainbridge at Lake Nona in Florida for 13 years. Picture: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images.

“This is not a comeback. It’s an appearance, and I’m just thrilled about that,” said the Swede of teeing up in today’s first round of the LPGA Gainbridge.

Sorenstam recorded a remarkable 72 title triumphs on the US circuit, but this is her first outing in an official, full-field event for 13 years.

It’s a home gig for the 10-time major winner as she lives on Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, which is staging its first LPGA event since the inaugural Solheim Cup in 1990.

“To have [my husband] Mike [McGee] on the bag is fun,” said Sorenstam, who has been paired with two of her compatriots, Anna Nordqvist and Madelene Sagstrom, in the opening two rounds.

“We get along well and work well together. I enjoy sharing this experience with him. And then for the kids to be part of it, I mean, we live on the 16th hole. We can literally roll out of bed and be on 16 tee.

“This is our backyard, and we know the neighbours, we know the other members, my parents are here and to get the support from them.

“Even though it's limited with COVID, we still feel like we got some great support.”

Sorenstam, who in 2008 announced she was stepping away from professional golf to focus on family and her business ventures, is getting herself ready for a debut appearance in the US Senior Women’s Open in August.

“There are a few changes out here,” she admitted. “I think the biggest thing that I messed up was the practice-round tee times.

“I was told that you're supposed to be ready by 7:00 on Saturday. I didn't hear 7:00. I just heard Saturday. I kind of somehow messed up (laughing).

“Luckily I was able to play with Anna on Monday anyway and with Danielle [Kang] on Tuesday.

“It was a little different, but you got to get used to these new rules. By the time I figure them all out then I'm out of here.”

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