The last of Sorenstam's tour wins came at Kingsmill, where she posted four sub-70s rounds for the first time in three years and shattered the tournament record by five shots.
In hindsight, given the world-class field, and the state-secret nature of her impending "retirement," Kingsmill ranks among the signature performances of Sorenstam's hall of fame career. She is particularly proud of the final-round 66 that included laser approaches, center-cut putts and nary a missed fairway.
"I wanted to finish with a low round to prove to people I'm not stepping away because I can't handle it anymore," Sorenstam said.
Only fools would have believed as much. And only fools would dismiss her business sense — sagging economy and impending motherhood notwithstanding.
To date, Sorenstam's sole concessions to pregnancy are eliminating alcohol (McGee confessed to sipping some vino at Hootie's party), sushi and oysters from her diet. She still plays at outings and her academy, and still looks and sounds like an elite athlete.
Sorenstam's foundation focuses on childhood education and nutrition. Her courses are open in China and South Africa, with ongoing projects in Malaysia, Korea, the Philippines, Canada and South Carolina.
"I've just moved my focus from hitting a 7-iron to creating a brand and building a product," she said.
Sorenstam leaves the door ajar for a return to the LPGA Tour, but don't hold your breath.
"She just got tired of the daily grind with golf," McGee said. "She'd practice eight hours and think nothing of it and then work out. And the constant pressure she put on herself to be the best is something I personally cannot relate to.
"I think just lifting that burden off her shoulders and letting her focus on her other businesses ... was easy."
Indeed, unless Sorenstam is Kate Winslet in spikes, she is blissfully at peace. And come August, she vows to take a few months off to welcome her little one.
"I'm enjoying life," Sorenstam said. "I really am."
It shows.
David Teel can be reached at 247-4636 or by e-mail at dteel@dailypress.com. For more from Teel, read his blog at dailypress.com/teeltime.LPGA at Kingsmill
WHAT: Michelob Ultra Open.
WHERE: River Course at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg.
WHEN: May 7-10.
2008 CHAMPION: Annika Sorenstam.
Online
To follow this year's LPGA event at Kingsmill and to read about and see photos from past tournaments and champions, visit dailypress.com/lpga.
When the tournament starts, there will be live blog updates from the Daily Press staff, in addition to complete coverage online and in print.