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14 May, 2008

Sorenstam set for final major outing

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Sunningdale is to host a very special event this summer - the final major of Annika Sorenstam's glittering career.

The 37-year-old world number two announced in America on Tuesday this is to be her last season of competitive golf, and that means the Ricoh Women's British Open from July 31 to August 3 will be her last chance to add to a major haul that currently stands at 10.

The Swede is to marry again early next year, has a string of business interests and said: "I have given it my all and it's been fun. I will be leaving the game on my own terms. That was always important to me."

She added: "I have a lot of dreams, but this is a difficult decision to make because I love this game so much.

"It feels like the right one. I have a number of other priorities in my life, including starting a family, that I want to be as dedicated to as I have been to playing golf.

"I am very proud of what I have accomplished as a professional golfer and while I will no longer be playing competitively, I will continue to be very involved and engaged in the game of golf.

"I want to ensure that I am always giving back to the game that has given me so much and I feel like I can best do that by helping develop young golfers through the growth of my academy, my foundation, my continued promotional programmes with my corporate partners and by continuing to serve as an ambassador for women's golf.

"Whenever I considered timing for this decision in the past, it was always important to me that the game was strong and I know that women's golf has a very bright future ahead of it.

"It takes a lot of effort to be at the top and there is a part of me that doesn't have that desire any more.

"It is just the daily grind - I'm not a person who can be out here just to be out here. There are a lot of things I can do with my knowledge and my excitement and energy. Golf in the Olympics (the IOC is considering its inclusion for 2016), who knows what I can do there?"