© Ladies European Tour

During her 16-year Hall of Fame career, Annika Sörenstam racked up 89 victories, including ten major championships, before retiring in 2008 to start a family. The 2020-year-old was originally announced as a non-playing host alongside Stenson for the inaugural edition of the event, which was due to take place at Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Stockholm in XNUMX, before being canceled due to the pandemic of coronavirus.

After a 13-year absence from professional golf, Sörenstam crossed the cut in February this year on his first competitive outing to the Gainbridge LPGA at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Florida. It will return to the fairways in Sweden next June. His last appearance on national soil was at the Scandinavian TPC in Stockholm in 2008.

The decision of the eight-time Solheim Cup player to join the group of 78 men and 78 women brings a new level of enthusiasm to this innovative mixed tournament co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the Ladies European Tour.

With an endowment of € 1 for all participants and points in the official world ranking offered to the two circuits, as well as Race to Dubai and Ryder Cup points for members of the European Tour, and Race to Costa del Sol and Solheim Cup for Ladies European Tour members, fans can show interest to see two of Sweden's greatest golfers in action here.

Annika Sörenstam said:

“I am delighted to participate in Scandinavian Mixed and to return to compete in my home country of Sweden for the first time in 13 years. "

“Since I retired in 2008, I have devoted a lot of time to the ANNIKA Foundation, which organizes seven global events for young girls each year, including the ANNIKA Invitational Europe, which will take place at the Isaberg Golf Club. in Sweden, after this year's tournament. "

“It's another way to introduce our game to the younger generation in Sweden and for those watching the world over, showing that golf is truly a game for everyone. "

Stenson, who has won 11 European Tour victories, added:

“I am delighted that Annika, one of the greatest golfers the world has ever seen, is playing Vallda next June. "

“It will be a great week and I'm sure all players will be delighted to welcome someone of Annika's stature to the tournament. I can't wait to see the dynamics of the men and women competing for the same trophy and putting everything on the line on Sunday afternoon. "

“We hope that through the Scandinavian Mixed and many other golf tournaments Annika and I can help inspire the next generation of golfers in Sweden and around the world. The Henrik Stenson Foundation is committed to helping children with a dream by providing them with the initial spark to launch them on their mission in life. We are initially focusing on Paragolf and Junior Golf, hosting international events and scholarships highlighting the inclusive nature of our game. ”

To read our last article on the same subject :

LPGA: Annika Sorenstam returns to competition after 13 years of absence