Annika Says This Is No Comeback, But May Also Miss Tokyo Games As IGF President

Annika Sorenstam’s appearance at Gainbridge LPGA is a hometown stop for her and first on the LPGA Tour since 2008. She signaled this is no return, just preparation for this summer’s U.S. Senior Women’s Open according to Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols.

However, as Brentley Romine notes for GolfChannel.com, that even coincides with week one of the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. Sorenstam is now president of the International Golf Federation which is primarily focused on one major initiative these days: golf in the Olympics.

Sorenstam says she has the IGF’s support in pursuing the Senior Open.

“Of course you're playing. We love having an active president,” Scanlon said to Sorenstam, according to Sorenstam, who added: “We're still working out the details.”

Sorenstam says a trip to Japan will be necessary at some point, depending on the travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, but she’s optimistic she’ll still be able to compete in the Senior Women’s Open while also maintaining her responsibilities to the IGF.

The IGF has also endorsed Sorenstam’s acceptance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom the day after rioters stormed the Capital building following a Trump rally.

Video from that ceremony and interviews both the day of and later on has been posted today by Graham Bensinger. Sorenstam is seen leading the room in an impromptu standing ovation for Trump a day after the riots is at the 1:20 mark. In follow up chats with Sorenstam and husband Mike McGee, the latter expresses understanding at the outrage over Sorenstam accepting the medal that day in light of what happened.