Q&A: Sorenstam recalls start at Colonial in 2003

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Annika Sorenstam tees off on Colonial Country Club's 10th hole.

Editor's note: Laura Hill, who is now the Senior Director of Communications for the PGA TOUR, was on hand in 2003 when Annika Sorenstam made history at Colonial Country Club -- becoming the first woman since Babe Didrikson Zaharias in 1945 to play in a PGA TOUR event. Hill, who worked for the LPGA at the time, chronicled her experiences that week for lpga.com. Several days ago, Hill asked Sorenstam, who shot 71-74 and missed the cut, to reflect on the events of that week five years ago in this Q&A.

PGATOUR.COM: I remember watching you play that week -- especially during the first round -- and noticing you seemed more animated and outgoing on the course than you were at a typical LPGA event. Were you planning on doing that in order to make the most of the experience? What kinds of emotions were you feeling out on the course?

SORENSTAM: No, I wasn't really planning on showing more emotions. I was obviously very nervous, but I had worked so hard in preparation for the tournament that I told myself I had nothing to lose at that point. Once I hit that opening tee shot, I had a sense of relief. I suppose I naturally realized the significance of the week and the buzz surrounding the tournament and I just let my emotions flow. A lot of people have written that I really "came out of my shell that week." That isn't something you really think about when you are out there competing.

PGATOUR.COM: The whole week must have been a blur. After all the planning and speculation, it's over in an instant -- just like a wedding, which you'll experience soon enough. Can share one or two little details that stick out in your mind

SORENSTAM: The entire week did go by quickly. I think that's one of the reasons I cried when I was done. I poured everything into that tournament for months leading up to it and all of the sudden I was done. I was really focusing and trying to make the cut and when it was done it was almost like an emotional letdown. I was physically and emotionally drained, disappointed, yet proud. I don't know -- it's just hard to explain.

I remember the guy with the chicken on his head and all of the "Go ANNIKA" buttons that people wore. I remember my first birdie. I remember having the entire locker room to myself. The support and the crowd around that 10th hole when I teed off Thursday is something I will never forget.

PGATOUR.COM: Afterwards, you were asked many times if you planned on "playing with the boys" again, and you said no -- you accomplished what you set out to do. But if you were to travel back in time and play Colonial again, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

SORENSTAM: I don't think I would change anything. Hopefully, I would make a few more putts, but other than that I thought I played pretty well and represented the LPGA as well as I could.

PGATOUR.COM: If someone only knows "Annika Sorenstam" as the woman who played in a PGA TOUR event with the men, what exactly do you want them to remember from your participation at Colonial?

SORENSTAM: I would hope that I'll be remembered for handling the pressure well and showing class both leading up to and during the tournament. I cherished the opportunity and tried to make the most of it. Hopefully, people will think that I represented myself, the LPGA and women athletes in general fairly well.

PGATOUR.COM: If Lorena Ochoa announced tomorrow that she was going to play in a PGA TOUR event, what advice would you give her?

SORENSTAM: I would tell her to enjoy every second and don't get caught up in the hype. Suddenly, there will be people from every corner that you've never even met stepping up and questioning you, your decision and your skills. Don't pay any attention to that. You're a great player, just trust yourself and have some fun.

PGATOUR.COM: Now that you've announced your retirement, I'm sure you've been asked to sum up your career or rank different achievements in order of importance. Can you rank the Colonial among all your majors, the 59, making the Hall of Fame?

SORENSTAM: I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful career and a lot of memorable moments. You mentioned some of them -- Colonial, the 59, Hall of Fame, my first U.S. Women's Open victory in 1995, winning the LPGA Championship three consecutive years. Even the opening of the ANNIKA Academy was very important to me. Like I said, I've been very fortunate to play a game I love and to have traveled around the world and met so many terrific people. I look forward to staying involved in golf and using the game to give back to others and to inspire children to reach their potential.