Annika Sorenstam, a name that still makes golf purists swoon, is reminding everyone that "retired" is just a suggestion. She’s leading the US Senior Women's Open after a first round that included a ridiculous pitch-in eagle on the 17th. Honestly, the only thing steeper than Barton Hills' greens is the comeback trail for anyone trying to catch Annika when she's on.
Watching that eagle happen live? Absolutely magic. Sorenstam’s ball took flight like a tiny, perfectly aimed missile, cleared the wicked upslope of the green, did a little dance across the turf, and then plink – right in the hole. A smattering of us gasped, but don't expect crisp photos. My camera skills are about as sharp as a melted crayon, so posterity is stuck with my blurry memories.
Starting her round on the back nine, Annika navigated that tricky Donald Ross layout with the kind of Zen focus that makes you wonder if she's playing golf or defusing a bomb. She ended up four-under, birdying two of her last three holes, all without a single dropped shot. Her post-round pearls of wisdom? "I hit a lot of greens." Groundbreaking. You’d almost think she’d played golf before. She also preached patience and not forcing things. Excellent advice for anyone trying to hole out from 70 yards, or frankly, just survive a Monday.
Right behind her, tied for second at three-under, are LPGA stalwarts Michele Redman, Jackie Gallagher-Smith, and Cathy Johnston Forbes. And breathing down their necks, just two shots back, is the ever-feisty Juli Inkster, who I bet woke up that morning plotting to shoot her age. Because, you know, that's just Juli.
Karrie Webb also had a solid start, sitting at one-under. Following Annika's group, I got a good look at Leta Lindley and Mikino Kubo. These two weren't exactly a blur of frantic energy, but their ball-striking? Long and straight. It’s a masterclass in efficiency that some male golfers, the ones who think a full swing requires a soundtrack of primal grunts, could learn a thing or two from.
Kubo herself offered up a moment of tactical genius on the 15th. Faced with a nasty lie in the jungle, she briefly considered hacking it out backwards. Thankfully, she wisely took an unplayable, dropped into slightly less terrifying rough, and then managed to salvage the hole with a smart putt. Good golf is often about knowing when to cut your losses, not just when to swing for the fences.
It’s a shame more folks weren't there to soak in this high-caliber play. The US Senior Women's Open is loaded with absolute legends, and the fans here get the treat of walking inside the ropes. It's a much more personal way to appreciate the game, and frankly, a blessed relief from the usual cattle-herding of major championships. If you’re anywhere near Barton Hills, get out there. You might just witness greatness without having to fight for a decent view.