Annika Sorenstam conferred the Bob Jones Award by USGA
United States Golf Association (USGA) has finally decided to confer the coveted Bob Jones Award to the celebrated Swede golfer Annika Sorenstam for her contribution to the sport. The sport’s governing body in the US announced its decision on Tuesday, October
25.
“Annika has consistently exhibited the specific character trait – distinguished sportsmanship – that the Bob Jones Award was established to recognize, and has done so while achieving a level of success that few have equaled,” said USGA President Jim Hyler
in a release. “It is not only the number of tournaments that she won during her incredible career, but the way she conducted herself, always gracious in victory and defeat.”
The award is given out to the distinguished players, who, in one way or the other, have rendered great service to the promotion and development of the sport. The award has been given out since its inception in 1955 in order to continuously recognize the
legendary traits of honesty and sportsmanship Jones displayed in his times.
41-year-old Sorenstam was visibly delighted to receive the honours. She conceded the fact that it was truly an honour to receive the award as all of the past recipients were the greatest names in the history of the game. She spoke highly of Jones and said
that he was known for his character both on and off course and that she always tries to follow him in his footsteps.
Sorenstam is considered as one of the most successful golfer in the history of Ladies Golf. Starting her professional career in 1992, she went over to win no less than 93 professional titles including 72 LPGA titles in all. She is the third highest LPGA
title holder. Before finally bidding farewell to the sport in 2008, she had amassed a massive $22-million in total earnings, $8-million more than her nearest competitor.
She remained Player of the Year for a record eight times and also played on the Solheim Cup on eight occasions. She is the scorer of the lowest round of 59 ever scored by a female golfer in the history. She has won ten major titles in the course of her career
and after retiring from mainstream sport, she now concentrates on her various business ventures including the ANNIKA golf academy, golf course design, ANNIKA-branded products, and a charitable foundation.
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