Annika Sorenstam Reflects on a Super Competitive Career

The past winners of the Amundi Evian Championship, which begins on Thursday in France, include some of the game’s brightest stars, such as Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam, who prevailed in 2000 and 2002.

Among women golfers, only Patty Berg, Mickey Wright and Louise Suggs captured more majors than Sorenstam, who won 10. Sorenstam, with 72 victories overall, is also known for her 2003 appearance in the Colonial, a men’s tournament — she missed the cut — and being the lone woman to record a round under 60. In 2001, she shot a 59 at an event in Arizona.

Sorenstam, 54, reflected recently on her career. The following conversation has been edited and condensed.

The Evian wasn’t a major when you won, but did you approach it as one?

For us Europeans, it was prestigious. It had such a different atmosphere compared to all the other tournaments in Europe, one you wanted to win.

What do you recall about the victory at the Evian over Karrie Webb in 2000?

My biggest rival was Karrie, so I could not have asked for a better showdown at the premier event in Europe, to have a chance to beat Karrie at her best. The 18th hole is a fun finishing hole — challenging, but it can be super rewarding. No laying up. You got to go for it. I put the pedal to the metal. I felt good all weekend.