Annika Sorenstam has made further history by becoming the first woman to win the Golf Writers’ Trophy twice in the 55-year history of European golf’s most prestigious award.
Sorenstam triumphed for the second time in three years, recognition of her continued dominance of the women’s game.
Sweden’s undisputed world No 1 led the annual poll ahead of US Open champion Michael Campbell and European order of merit winner Colin Montgomerie.
"I was overwhelmed to hear that the Golf Writers have honoured me for a second time by awarding me their prestigious trophy," Sorenstam said.
"It never occurred to me that I might win it twice, and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support; it means a lot to me. It’s been a fun year and this is a great early Christmas present to receive!"
Even by her own high standards Sorenstam enjoyed a remarkable season. She won 11 of the 21 tournaments she entered worldwide, including two major championships. She claimed 10 LPGA titles to lead the money list in America for the fifth consecutive year and earn an eighth player of the year title.
At the Mizuno Classic Sorenstam won for fifth year in succession, while in Europe, she won on home soil at the Scandinavian TPC, where, as the tournament host, she was forced to present the trophy to herself. In September the 35-year-old became the highest point-scorer in the history of the Solheim Cup and, at the weekend, she captained an International team to victory over Asia in the inaugural Lexus Cup.
"Although disappointed not to win, I am delighted that Annika took out the AGW player of the year award," said Campbell.
"To win over 50 per cent of the tournaments you enter in a season is a remarkable achievement and I’m thrilled she has been recognised by the AGW for this feat."
Campbell and Montgomerie both returned to top form in stunning fashion in 2005. Campbell, the New Zealander who is resident in Brighton, England, had to qualify for the US Open but then held off the challenge of Tiger Woods at Pinehurst. He also won the HSBC World Match Play Championship.
Montgomerie finished runner-up to Woods in the Open Championship at St Andrews and then won the Dunhill Links Championship at the same venue. The Scot went on to claim an astonishing eighth order of merit title, six years after his unprecedented run of seven in a row came to an end.
But if there is one thing harder than getting to the top in professional sport, it is staying there as Sorenstam has done for the last five years. "We are thrilled that Annika’s outstanding achievements have been recognised by the members of the AGW through the 2005 Golf Writers’ Trophy," said Alexandra Armas, executive director of the Ladies European Tour.
"Over the past year, Annika has continued to dominate women’s golf. She has raised the bar on every level and set a tremendous example to her colleagues and millions of fans across the globe. Annika has been integral to the development and success of women’s golf in Europe and we at the Ladies European Tour are delighted that she has been justifiably honoured for her many accomplishments in 2005."
Carolyn Bivens, commissioner of the LPGA, said: "Congratulations to Annika for her second Golf Writers’ Trophy. She’s had another remarkable year, complete with new records. She is a world-class athlete, person and ambassador of the game. I am certain she will cherish this award along with her ever-growing collection of trophies."
Emphasizing the wide-ranging achievements in European golf in 2005 there were also votes for Padraig Harrington, David Howell, Sergio Garcia, the Welsh World Cup winning team of Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge, as well as amateurs Lloyd Saltman, Oliver Fisher and Italy’s Edoardo Molinari, the first European winner of the US Amateur Championship for 94 years.
The Golf Writers’ Trophy, which dates back to 1951, is awarded each year to the individual, born or resident in Europe, or the European team, who have made the most outstanding contribution to golf in the preceding 12 months.
Contact:
Andy Farrell
Hon Secretary
Association of Golf Writers
+44 1227 732496
+44 7711 702907
andyfarrell@compuserve.com
