ACC Notebook: Sorenstam happy with decision

By Jeremy Evans

Appeal News Service

STATELINE " Annika Sorenstam, the most successful women's golfer in LPGA history, made a surprise visit to the 19th American Century Championship on Sunday at Edgewood -Tahoe Golf Course.

A part-time Incline Village resident since 1995, Sorenstam recently announced she would retire at the end of the 2008 season, and the winner of 72 tournaments remains content with her decision.

"I've thought about this decision for quite some time," said Sorenstam, who plans to play in 10 more tournaments before putting away the clubs. "I know it's the right thing to do. It's hard to play at this level for so long. It takes a toll on your body. I want to be at the top and leave on my own terms, and this is the season to do it."

Sorenstam is engaged to be married this year, and plans on starting a family soon thereafter. She wants to remain around the game in various capacities, but won't pull a Brett Favre and try to mount a comeback.

"Eventually things come to an end and you start a new chapter," she said. "I know I'll be busy with the private interests and the business interests."

Another reason why Sorenstam, 37, believes now is the right time to leave is because the LPGA tour is in good shape. Lorena Ochoa, a 26-year-old who's currently the No. 1 ranked player in the world, is set to take the torch from Sorenstam and lead the tour into the future.

"That's another reason why I'm comfortable with this decision," Sorenstam said. "It's as strong as it's ever been. Lorena is playing good golf. It's in good hands, and we're making some good strides."

Sharpe eagles two the hard way

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver and current ESPN NFL analyst Sterling Sharpe was never at the top of the leaderboard during Sunday's final round, but he had the best shot of the day.

Sharpe holed his second shot on the par-4 15th to record an eagle, which propelled him to his 12th-place finish with a plus-52. He had finished ninth in the previous two years.

Sorenstam on Barkley's swing

There has been much said about Charles Barkley's hideous swing, but nobody has described it quite so poignantly than LPGA golfer Annika Sorenstam.

"It's a very unorthodox swing, and I try not to look at it that much, to be honest," Sorenstam noted. "I don't think it's the image to have."

Jordan still trying to recapture glory

Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan first played in the ACC in 1990, when he finished ninth, but he's never improved since then. This year, he placed in a tie for 55th with score of minus-1.

"It's very frustrating," Jordan told NBC. "One of these days, I am going to get my form back and I'm going to play well out here."