Teleconference with Annika Soren

Teleconference with Annika Sorenstam
ADT Championship
September 28, 2006

Steve: Welcome, everybody. Thank you for joining us for the ADT Championship Conference Call with Annika Sorenstam. Before we go on with the call here, I would just like to give you a little background on the ADT Championship this year. It will be played November 16th and 19th at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, and the winner will walk away with $1 million; the total purse money is $1,550,000. The ADT Championship will be named the Season Champion. There is a cut. There are 32 players -- 30 qualify on a points basis; 2 come off the Money List. The first cut will be made after 36 holes to 16 players, with a sudden death playoff in case of ties. The second cut will be made after 54 holes to 8 players, with a sudden death playoff for any ties. And the final round will be played in four groups of two, with all players starting with a fresh score card, and the winner who shoots the lowest number that day will walk away with $1 million.

I've got the Tournament Director, Kevin Krisle and Judy Dickinson on the telephone. Did I miss anything or do you want to add anything to that, Kevin, Judy?

Krisle: Steve, that sounds great. I think you covered it. And thanks to Annika for being with us today. You know, we're just busily preparing for the 2006 event. It's been an exciting LPGA season up to this point, and we're extremely excited about the new playoff format that we have here at the ADT Championship. It definitely should create quite a shootout on Sunday -- where else do you get eight players tied for the lead going into the final round? So that should be very exciting for all the spectators and everyone watching on television, and the players as well, hopefully.

You know, we've got a $1 million purse going to the winner this year. That is a record check in women's golf for prize money. Interestingly, Steve Brener reminded me of this: In 1996, the first year the event was held, Karri Webb was the winner, and it was the first time in LPGA history that by winning the event, she crossed the $1 million mark for single season earnings, which is the first time that had happened on the LPGA tour. And fast forward to 2006, and a winner is going to be walking away with $1 million. So Sunday, and with the way the LPGA season is shaking out with the player of the year race and the scoring average, it definitely should be an exciting time here at the ADT Championship. And with that being said, I would like to introduce our four-time winner of this event, and she has defended her championship very well -- she has won the last two of the ADT Championships. I would like to introduce Annika. Annika, welcome.

Sorenstam: Thank you. Good morning, and hi, everyone. No, obviously, I am very excited to be the defending champion. It is such a big event, and as you all know this year, the format is a little different, and I think we are all looking forward to a change, and quite a change, I would say. You know, a play-off first of its kind in this type of event. So I am excited. Florida has been very good to me, the ADT Championship has been very good to me, and the way this season has been, it looks like, you know, the ADT Championship is going to be the decider of a lot of things -- we are talking Money Lists and we are talking Player of the Year -- so I think it is going to be definitely a showdown, and I look forward to it.

Steve: Okay, Kelly, we will throw it open to questions from the media.

Question: Hi, Annika.

Sorenstam: Hello.

Question: I know originally I believe you kind of had some questions about whether the whole first place prize should go to the money title because it could quite skew things. Could you update us on your thinking on that now?

Sorenstam: Well, I think I still have the same thoughts as I did when it was announced. You know, $1 million is a lot of money, and it is a lot of money just to add to the Money List like that in one week, especially when you play between 20 and 30 tournaments a year and other ones are worth between $150 and $500 -- it makes for a big change. So anything can really happen; you know, the Money List can take a massive change. I mean, you could be a player that hasn't won all year and all of a sudden, you win a million and can be right up there. So you know, it makes for a big change; it is obviously going to be very exciting for everyone. But having said that, I think Player of the Year right now is probably -- I would say is the factor that decides who has played the best all year rather than the Money List, which is the way we used to measure our seasons.

Question: A follow-up. Annika, we are used to you just running away with everything, and that is not to say that you cannot just go on another streak of ten, and I imagine you would prefer to do that. But what is it like for you to be in this battle? For the fans, I think it is pretty exciting that there is this big battle for Player of the Year; what is it like for all of you guys?

Sorenstam: Well, for me, obviously, I like the way it has been the last few years. But you know, it has been kind of a different year for me; it has been an up and down season. You know, I have had some great tournaments; I've had some less good tournaments. You know, and like I said, it is going to be exciting with this final event where a lot of good things can be decided. I am just happy that I still have a chance to win both of them, and that is really what is keeping my spirit up and making me believe that this is still going to be a good year. So yes, I am looking forward to it. And you know, the conference has been tougher and tougher every year, so I mean, I am just happy when I look back on my career and say, you know, I have had a chance to win Player of the Year a few times and I think even Money List. So it is I guess, in a way, for the fans and the other players, because I am loving it and I am just glad I still have a chance.

Question: Hey, Annika. How are you doing? Thanks for giving us your time.

Sorenstam: Good. How are you?

Question: Good. You know, when the announcement of the format came out, a lot of people were skeptical at first. I am not sure if you were one of them, because there is such a big disparity of what is first place and third place, and you know, eight people playing for it at the end. Are you still skeptical or were you skeptical, and how much of it is going to be let this thing play out for a year and then see what happens, you know, once we have had a chance to experience it?

Sorenstam: Well, I think with changes, I think it is always easy to start asking a lot of questions, and especially when we have had this championship for quite some time, and it is kind of, you know, the top 30, it is rewarding and it is an honor to be part of this championship. And it has always been four days, so the history is -- you know, I think we are all just questioning that: Why do we have to make a play-off out of something that has been around for a while and it has been working really great. You know, now the changes have been made and I think we are all anxious to see how they work out. I do think it is a different type of format, and I mean, I definitely hope it is going to be a success, there is no doubt about it. I mean, we are looking for the fastest to get really excited about it. And I mean, to answer your question, I think I would like to say let us see how it turns out; let us see if it gets exciting and let us see if it is a way to decide who has played well this season.

Question: And can I ask one more question, Steve?

Steve: Yes, go ahead, all you want.

Question: Just talk about your season. I mean, I know we are not used to seeing you struggle -- you know, in your terms of struggling, of not going out and winning six, seven, and just doing everything you want to do. How has it been for you mentally to kind of hide through a season like this?

Sorenstam: Well, you know, I have obviously asked myself a lot of questions -- you know, what am I doing and what is happening and all that stuff -- and I think it just kind of puts the last few seasons in perspective, how will I play. This year I have struggled a little bit with my swing, and you know, in the past, I would just go up and I would hit a job and I would not really think about it, I would not at least wonder where it is going. This year, it has been totally opposite; it has been where am I going and what am I doing. So you know, like I said, I have had some great tournaments but then not so great ones, and it has been a little frustrating in that sense because I just feel like I just have not played up to my normal standard. And you know, the competition is getting tougher, there is no doubt about it, but I just do not feel like -- you know, I have not played to my potential. So you know, I have done a lot of thinking, a lot of analyzing. And in August, I just went back to my coach and said, hey, we have to go back to basis; we have to work on my grip, my setup, and everything, just to get back to my consistent swing. I mean, I cannot play with a swing that only works for 14, 15 holes. And you know, if you look at the stats, it is probably the worst fear that I have had when it comes to greening regulations, fairway hits, well, accuracy, for sure -- you name it, it has been a bad year for me there. But I do think, to be positive about the whole thing, this is probably good for me. You know, this keeps me motivated, this keeps me on my toes and I continue to work hard and not just take things for granted. So you know, I like to take the positive out of it and go from there.

Question: Hi, Annika. This question is maybe a little bit of the flip side of the last one. Could you just talk about the rest of the field in the LPGA and their ability to -- you know, they have had a goal for four or five years now to catch up to you. Now it seems that they, you know, at least on a temporary basis, have done it. Can you talk about their improvements, and what have you done to set the bar for these other players to come up?

Sorenstam: There is no doubt that the competition is getting better and there is no doubt that the players are just playing better. I mean, let us take Lorena as example. I think she is having a fantastic year; I mean, she has won more tournaments this year than ever, and she is as consistent as anybody can be. You know, she is finishing in the top ten pretty much every week, and that shows that she has worked hard and it is obviously paying off. And Karri Webb is coming back on the scene, winning the first major, and now she has just won her fourth event, and I am sure she is very happy to be back. And you have Se Ri coming back when she was done with the championship. So you are seeing all these -- I mean, you cannot really say veterans because they are hardly 30 years old, but they have been around a little bit -- but you are seeing them resurfacing and doing some great stuff again. I think it is great for the tour, and I mean, as a player that has been around, I love that. I mean, I have always had a lot of respect for Karri and a lot of respect for Se Ri, and so I think it is a good time for the LPGA, and you know, having said that, to have the younger generation, you know, the teenagers, as you know of. And they are just a lot of potential, some great players, and I think the tour is in as good hands as it has ever been. And so it is a fun time, it really is, and you know, the competition level is so much higher now. I mean, we used to say if you shot level par at majors you will win every major. I mean, that is not true anymore, and you know, the last few times I have played, you had to be in double digits to finish in the top ten. I mean, that is pretty much every week. So to answer your question, the golf is getting better, the players are getting better -- it is fun.

Question: Do you sense a higher level of confidence from the other players, saying -- you know, it used to be that when you could go out and win ten tournaments, there might be a sense that, you know, when Annika's in the field, we are playing for second. Is that not there anymore?

Sorenstam: Well, I think you know, if you start playing well, I mean, you get a bit of confidence. You can see that in Lorena, I can see that in Karri -- they are a lot more confident nowadays than the previous years. I mean, especially Lorena, I mean, she seems like she can hit any shot -- I have not seen that in her more. So yes, so by having good performances creates confidence and when you are confident, you play a lot more relaxed, and when you play relaxed, you go out and perform better. So it is just a circle that helps you, and you can definitely see that out there among some of the players.

Steve: Any other questions, Jeff?

Question: Just a clarification on the money. Does all the money count for the Money List? Or there was talk about half of it counting on the Money List or whatever, just from -- you know, it is not an Annika question; it's actually a Steve question.

Steve: I think it all counts. Kevin?

Krisle: That is my understanding, but we can get that confirmed for you, Jeff, if you need it.

Steve: I mean, the first breakdown is $ 1 million for the winner and $100,000 for second, and then it goes down $20,500 for third.

Krisle: My understanding is it is all official money.

Question: Annika, any thoughts on just such a great disparity between first and second place? It really is almost winner take all.

Sorenstam: Oh, there is no doubt, the winner takes it all. I mean, you will be out there for four days, as long as the winner, and you play as many holes. So it is a big difference, and that is one of the questions that I have. You know, me personally, I suggested that maybe half of it should count, and then you get the rest as a bonus, so the winner still gets the $1 million. But I just think everybody who plays the game knows that anything can happen in 18 holes. And you know, then again, it puts, in my opinion, a little less value on the Money List.

Krisle: And the first place Annika won last year was worth $215,000.

Sorenstam: Yes, I mean, a win today is about average $200,000. So a win at ADT almost equals four to five wins throughout the season, and I think everybody is going to ask the question, is that the way it should be.

Steve: Annika, before we go on to other questions, talk a little bit about the Trump International Golf Club, the course there and your success over it.

Sorenstam: It is a great golf course; I've always like it. I must say, I think it is quite tops, and the reason I say that is because it is just a well-designed golf course. I mean, you know, you have to work the ball, and not just for the irons -- I mean, you have to work the ball off the tee, and it is not always about driving the driver and hitting as far as you can. I mean, you really have to have a strategy there; you have to place the ball in the right places. And you know, the last four holes is as tough as it gets -- just, you know, tough to finish up. But we play all year, I would say, and 16 in the par four are tricky -- you know, if the wind picks up in the afternoon, it just makes it very difficult for the shots. And 17 is probably one of the most intimidating par threes I have ever played, and 18 is, as you all know, tough par four, with water all along the right side. So I mean, I think it is a great golf course for this event, the top 30 in the world competing on a tough golf course. I think it is a fair golf course; there is no doubt about it. It is fun to play, but you really have to be on your game just to go out there.

Steve: It's 32, just to clarify.

Question: Hi, Annika. Thanks for your time today. I am just curious, with all your success, obviously, long ago you could have stopped playing and your career would have been, you know, right up there among the top of all time. Has it ever been difficult to keep motivated -- you know, to keep going when you have accomplished so much?

Sorenstam: Yes. I have to admit it has been tough for the last two years or three years maybe. I mean, I have achieved so much more than I ever thought I could, and every year I set up new goals and I push myself, and you know, what do I want to achieve, and so forth. But I think what is really driving me is obviously the love for the game but also the belief that I can be better -- you know, I can become a better golfer -- and that is what keeps me going. You know, I would set goals as, you know, X amount of tournament wins and major wins, I think it would be very hard for me to be motivated, because I have achieved more than I ever thought I could. So now it is just the golf that keeps me going and keeps pushing me.

Question: I think you might have just answered this, but is Patty Berg's major record or all-time wins record on your mind at all? I mean, you know, they were so unheard of at one time, and now you are really within reach, actually. Is it hard not to think about those?

Sorenstam: Well, I think about them, but I just, you know, I question is that something I can do. You know, 88 wins is just so difficult, and I mean, I have 69, and that is what, 19 to tie? You know, I think about it, but then I just wonder how much longer can I play and how much longer do I want to push myself, and you know, get tougher. You know, I have been on tour for 12 years and there are a lot of other interests that I have and projects I want to pursue. So now I am just focusing on my own game, trying to get better, and hopefully, that keeps me going. And if I win a few here, and there, then that is great. I just kind of need to really think about the game itself and not -- you know, 88 wins is just so way up there.

Question: Hey, Annika. Thanks for taking the time today. I just actually wanted to ask you a little bit off-topic. It was actually about the week before, the shootout -- I am sorry -- the ADT you are going to have, the Maryland Shootout. And one of the things they talked about was the possibility of you sort of picking your partner, if you had wanted to, maybe even an all-woman team. I was wondering if this is still something that you are considering, if there is any woman or man that you would want to play with in that event. And also just your thoughts about that -- the tournament, the different format, and if there is any interference at all as far as trying to have fun in an event like that the week before the ADT.

Sorenstam: Yes. I mean, I am just thrilled to be invited. And I have a lot of respect for Greg on the course and off the course, and I have focused on guys that love that event, and for me to get invited as the first woman is obviously an honor. So I am really looking forward to that. I have started to build a relationship with Maryland, so I think it is going to be really, really fun. When it comes to picking a partner, I am not really sure where we are, to be honest. I am just happy to be playing in it. You know, there has been some talks with Greg Norman, Fred Couples, and you know, I told them I will play with anybody; I am just happy to be a part of it. So we will see who decides and so forth, but I really have not thought too much about it. You know, I am just happy to be invited; I look forward to the event. We are going to have fun. I mean, obviously, I will be focusing and concentrating as much as I can, because it is again, tough to play with the men. But I love it, so I am going to go there, learn a little bit, have some fun, and take away a lot of memories.

Question: If I could, just one follow-up. It is obviously a little bit of an older issue, but Greg was one of the folks who would say he felt like -- in 2003, at Colonial -- that women should go through the qualification process rather than be extended a sponsor's exemption. Have you guys ever had a chance to clear the air on that or discuss that in any way? So this is obviously a different type of event, but has that ever been something you guys have personally discussed?

Sorenstam: We have discussed it, I think. You know, when women have an opportunity to play a few events with the men, I think it just takes a lot of people by surprise and maybe shocks them a little bit, and I thought that was probably just a normal reaction from Greg. I do not hold anything against that at all. In the contrary, I think he is showing more of an appreciation by inviting me. So I am just thankful for that and maybe we all can change our opinions and so forth. So you know, I think I have a lot to learn from them and I think probably vice versa. So it is all about loving the game.

Question: Yes, Annika, just one more thing. Americans are racking their brains about what is wrong at the Ryder Cup -- why do the Americans struggle so much against the Europeans. Did you get to see much of it and do you have any theories?

Sorenstam: I did not watch as much as I wanted to because we were playing, and you know, the long stretch in California and with the time difference, it is just very, very tough just to watch. I mean, I am obviously -- I love to watch golf on TV, I love the big events, and the Ryder Cup is one of them. So I would say I pretty much just saw the results, and yes, I would say I was a little surprised. I mean, I thought the Americans, you know, have a great team, and you know, they are the top players in the world. And it just shows what can happen when you put a team together, and you know, the power that it creates. And it is always fun -- obviously, being a European, I was cheering for them, but it is all about the competition. I really do not know why the U.S. team somehow, you know, could not give them -- I do not know what that word will be -- but you know, a bigger fight or a closer score, I am not really sure. But we gave them an honor of watching it, and I am sure that the U.S. captain is going to think about it and try to change it for the next time, because there have been -- I think the last five or six times, they have lost, so something has to be changed.

Question: Thank you, Annika. And just one final thing. If the tournament at ADT comes down to one last putt, it is basically a million dollar putt. Does that make it any more nerve-racking than winning a major or just winning any tournament? Does the money translate that way?

Sorenstam: Oh, I think so. There is no doubt about it, obviously. I mean, I remember playing -- this is many years ago -- but I had a putt for $375,000, and I was as nervous as you can be. I mean, I had a 6-30 and I read it and read it, and I hit it about 18 past the hole, I was so aggressive. So yes, I would say, you know, if you had it for a million dollars, you would be thinking twice.

Question: Yes, hi, Annika. I want to ask you to change the subject one more time. It has been kind of an interesting year for the commissioner. This is her first year and a lot of people have left the front office and some players have kind of grumbled. I just wonder how you kind of weigh in on what you think the job that she has been able to do for this year, just what your thoughts are on the commissioner.

Sorenstam: Yes, it has been a little bit of a rocky season, I would say. I think time will tell how she does in her approach. I should think she has some good ideas. I do think she really cares about the tour and wants to make a difference, and so forth. So I think just time will tell. You know, it is different when you get a new leader and strategy and a different approach. It is again, you know, when you have changes, you start asking questions. So it is tough to say something right now, but it has been rocky and I have asked my share of questions. And you know, things, I think, have calmed down a little bit, and hopefully, that is for the better.

Steve: Any last questions of Annika before we let her go? It sounds like they are all quiet, Kelly. Okay. Well, then we will conclude this. We appreciate Annika's time, Kevin's time, Judy's time, and we look forward to the ADT Championship, and thanks for joining us. Thanks, Annika.

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