The USGA has a big place in my career and an important spot in my heart. The U.S. Women’s Open is the biggest championship in golf. I’ve dreamt about it since I was a little girl. I remember teeing off as an amateur and seeing all the superstars, the Hall of Famers and my role models – Nancy Lopez, Patty Sheehan,
Betsy King and Pat Bradley, to name a few.
Some things change. My generation came to the forefront. Still, the U.S. Women’s Open was always the one you wanted to win, the first thing you looked at on the calendar to begin each year, the championship you planned everything around. I’m proud to be a part of its rich history as a three-time winner, in the company of Hollis Stacy, Susie Berning and Babe Zaharias.
The U.S. Women’s Open was always the pinnacle – and, in a way, the finish line. When I stepped away from competitive golf in 2008, the U.S. Senior Women’s Open didn’t exist, so it wasn’t something I had to consider. Again, though, things change: Suddenly, it did exist, and eventually I did have to consider it.
I remember when the new championship was announced, in 2015, I thought, “That’s cool – the women get a chance to play a little later in their careers.” But I never thought it would be something I’d do. I was retired from golf and had other things on my mind. Kids. My foundation. Course design. The list went on and on.
When I left competitive golf, I still wanted to give back to the game, whether through the ANNIKA Foundation – I especially want to inspire young girls to live their dreams – or other avenues. So, when I was appointed president of the International Golf Federation this past December, I was very honored but also inspired. I’ve always believed that golf should be in the Olympics, for many reasons, not least for making the game more global. Olympic golf at the 2016 Games in Rio had a big impact in so many countries. Hopefully, despite COVID-19 the Olympics will take place in Tokyo later this summer and golf will play a big part in it.
At a personal level, when the pandemic hit last spring, golf was among the handful of things we could do as a family – and my son Will had gotten really into golf. I was out watching him hit balls and figured I might as well hit some, too. Doing that, I began to rediscover my love for the game. I started practicing and swinging a little better – and I started thinking, I’m turning 50 [in October 2020]…. Maybe there are some tournaments I should play in.
I’ve been practicing this year, mostly when I’m out with the family but with the firm intention of taking my game to a different level. I knew I needed to step it up. Thirteen years away from competitive golf might as well be forever.
Consistency is the biggest thing you lose. I play a lot of social golf, riding in a cart, with plenty of gimmes. I’m usually good for about 14 holes. The stamina and consistency aren’t there for a full round.
It’s not just the physical stamina but also the mental stamina. I need to stay in the present when I hit shots. These days my mind tends to wander to other things, like the kids’ lunch or homework or activities. I can’t stay as focused as I used to.
The upside is that it’s easier for me to forget the bad shots. I’m not as hard on myself, not as picky. I’m not as strong and don’t hit it as far, even though I still go to the gym. My mind feels young, but sometimes my body is a little stiffer than it was.
My practice routine is more relaxed, less structured than it once was. I have other things in my life now. If I have an hour or two, I’ll work on putting to try to get my feel back.
I’m at an age where it’s hard to change things, but the fundamentals still need to be there, whether it’s grip or alignment or aim. So, I do hit some practice balls – but I’m nothing like the range rat I was. Nowadays what I most enjoy is playing a few holes with Will when he gets home from school. He’s become my practice partner. I help him with his game, but I also want to show him I can still play a little bit.
The U.S. Senior Women’s Open gave me a goal of playing in something that will count, which in turn has given me focus and discipline and keeps me working hard every day. I want to support the USGA’s initiative and thank them for giving us women golfers, and me specifically, this opportunity.
It’s not all about the competition. I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of the players and rekindling friendships at Brooklawn Country Club in late July. Some friends I’ve seen over the past few years, but many I haven’t. I think it’s safe to say we’ve all learned to appreciate those close relationships more recently.
Then there are the great golf courses the USGA plays. Course architecture is a true love, just like competition. Speaking of which: Standing on the first tee when the adrenaline’s pumping, nothing beats that. It may not be pumping quite as much as it used to, because I’m a different person now, in a different stage of life. Golf is no longer my top priority. Still, certain things come back quite easily, and when you’re inside the ropes that surge of energy just happens.
Winning isn’t the main goal. Another USGA championship would be awesome, of course, but I’m just thrilled the event is on my calendar. I’m going to do my best to help make it a good championship and continue to showcase women’s golf. I see it as an opportunity to create more memories. Hopefully it’s also an inspiration for my kids, showing that when you have a passion for something it’s worth pursuing.
I think my kids enjoy watching me play. I hear it quite frequently now, “Mom, when are you going to play?” When I competed in the 2021 Gainbridge LPGA in February at Lake Nona, my home club, they were out every day walking, watching me play and watching Daddy on the bag.
My daughter isn’t that into golf – she plays a bit and has a nice swing but couldn’t care less – yet she called her friend after Friday’s second round and said, “We made the cut!” Will was very engaged in doing course management with me, talking through the holes after the rounds. I think it’s fun for them to see me in action rather than just in old YouTube clips. Now they can relate a bit more.
Hopefully they will want to tag along again in late July at Brooklawn. I would love the company!
Become a member today and let’s leave a positive impact on the game we love.
