Annika Sorenstam

Where do we start? Annika has been an amazing female golfer over the last 20 years, 15 professionally. Having won 10 "Majors" and in total nearly 90 professional tournaments her career has been well decorated. Not only has Annika achieved a lot personally for the game of golf but she has achieved a lot for the game of women's golf. In a similar way to that of Tiger Woods, Annika has inspired many young girls to take up the game of golf and realise that it can be a good lifestyle. In her time as a professional the ladies European tour has expanded and changed dramatically, as shown by the fact that Annika's last tournament was the Dubai Ladies Masters which is a LET tournament. It is fitting that Annika finished this tournament, and her career, with a birdie in front of a gallery filled with her peers, many of whom were inspired by her 10 years ago.

Annika has been careful not to rule herself out of playing more competitive golf which is smart and I hope to see her gracing the fairways at even greater women's golf tournaments in the future. However, for now Annika's focus is going to be on family life, her academy and course design. She has also agreed to be an ambassador for golf becoming an olympic sport again thus her "retirement" will be rather busy.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a clinic with Annika in September but unlucky enough that I was unable to go due to other commitments. Believe me I tried my best to be able to go but it wasn't going to work. My brother however, took my place and he said that Annika was the ultimate professional in conducting herself at the clinic. Not only was she professional, according to my brother, but she seemed genuinely interested in making sure the clients had an enjoyable day. Although this does not seem like much, all too often professionals in this situation can let the fact they would much rather be elsewhere stop them from giving a good impression to the clients.

Best wishes for the festive season and 2009.

Keep swinging!

Golfer of the year!

Padraig harrington has just been named European tour golfer of the year for 2008. He won this same award in 2007 which is a magnificent achievement. Harrington has, without doubt, had a fantastic season highlighted by victories in both The Open Championship and US PGA championship. He has also cemented his place in the top 5 players in the world whilst proving the skill and determination he has to be one of the best golfers in the world. I am a fan of Padraig being particularly fond of his laid back but focused attitude and how he seems to take most things in his stride whilst working hard to be the best he can be. I do not believe that Harrington is one of the most talented players in the game at the moment but he is one of the most focused and hardest working which is what I respect. Don't get me wrong I am not against talented players doing well but I appreciate people in all walks of life who make the most of what they have and strive to be as good as they can be. I read today that Harrington is planning on using his off-season break to improve his fitness and make some swing changes so he can perform consistently week in week out when it is required. For a player who has just had the best 2 seasons of his career this is an impressive attitude to have and one that, I believe, relatively few people would have. In my opinion not just in golf but all across life people readily settle for small achievements and don't strive to achieve greater things.

Good luck to Padraig and everyone else who is continuing to look to improve despite already achieving the highest points of their careers or life already.

Keep swinging x x