Annika Sorenstam re-elected to head major international organization
Legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam has been re-elected as President of the International Golf Federation for the third consecutive time. The decision was announced on Friday after the IGF board meeting on December 11th.
Sorenstam is one of the most decorated LPGA Tour players with 72 wins to her name over a long, illustrious career. She also has a golf tournament named after her, The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge. IGF Executive Director, Antony Scanlon spoke about the decision to re-elect her and said (via DP World Tour):
"As we build on the momentum from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, we are grateful for Annika’s leadership and are thrilled to have her continue in her role as president of the IGF."
He added:
"Annika is a key figure in our sport, and with her experience, knowledge and passion, we are committed to the ongoing growth and development of golf into the future."
When did Annika Sorenstam start her tenure as the IGF President for the first time?
Golf icon Annika Sorenstam started her tenure as the IGF President for the first time in January 2021. She succeeded Peter Dawson, who did not ask for a reappointment after his term ended. He had been the President for 10 years.
Dawson spoke about his retirement from the board and praised his incumbent, the 10-time Major champion. He said (via USGA):
"Golf's reinstatement to the Olympics was a landmark for our sport and it was a true thrill to witness our return at Rio 2016. I wish my successor, Annika Sorenstam, every success. The IGF could not be in better hands."
The decision to elect Sorenstam was made in a virtual meeting ahead of the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The election was made keeping in mind the strategic planning required for the upcoming Games in Japan. The 54-year-old's third term as IGF President will end in December 2026.
Although Annika Sorenstam never got to play in the Olympics, having retired from the sport in 2008 after her final LPGA Tour win, she has been a prominent figure in the Olympic movement. Before taking over as the IGF President, she had served as the global ambassador of the International Golf Federation along with 'Golden Bear' Jack Nicklaus.
Golf returned to the Olympics in 2016 after a long 96-year wait. Sorenstam had strongly supported the inclusion of the sport in the Games. She said at the time (via ESPN):
"As an international player, having golf back in the Olympics means so much to me and to our sport. I very much look forward to working with the board, the IOC and the governing bodies of golf in their efforts to continue to grow the game globally."
Currently, Sorenstam is in action at the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, where she has teamed up with her son, Will McGee.