Q&A with Annika Sorenstam

What's your affinity with Lake Tahoe? I know you go there a lot.
It's got everything. During the summer you have the lake and the fresh air. Obviously in the winter you have the snow. If you're an outdoor person--it's the place to be.

No golf on your honeymoon if you're going to Whistler in the winter.
Even if it was the summer I still wouldn't play golf.

What's Annika's tips to Orlando for a group of golfers coming to town?
They should go to the Annika Academy at the Ginn Resort. How about that?

What about places to eat?
If you like Sushi--Amora is my favorite. I'm also a big fan of Capital Grille.

If someone is planning a golf trip to Sweden--when and where should they go? Is this a trip worth looking into?
Absolutely. I recommend June through September. We have a lot of courses. We have links courses, seaside and park. You name it. Stockholm is a cool city to visit. I recommend a week there and then rent a car. Within a six-hour drive you get everything.

Pinehurst, Pebble Beach or Bandon Dunes?
Bandon Dunes.

One golf course for the rest of your life. Which one would it be?
I like Pine Valley, but I don't want to live in New Jersey.

I know you're getting into course design and that you have a few projects in the works. Do you have a favorite course designer?
Donald Ross. I like old, traditional golf courses and I'm impressed with the courses that he has designed. During those times they didn't have the equipment that we have, or the computer systems we have. His golf courses stand through time, if you know what I mean.

Do you have a design philosophy? Something specific you're trying to do?
Yes, I'm trying to do something [Laughs].

Eighteen holes would be a good start, right?
Yes, 18 holes would be good. I try to design courses for every golfer, men and women, of different skill levels. Several tees are important. You want to be able to have bunkers come into play from regular tees and not necessarily only from the back tees. A majority of golfers play from the regular tees. When I grew up, golf was a family sport. There was mom, dad and juniors--my sister and I and my parents. I think golf courses should be designed for everybody. That's my philosophy. Challenging for the top players but then also friendly and enjoyable for beginners and recreational golfers.

In your bag, which club is your favorite club?
I've always loved the wedges. I have four. I love something within 100 yards. That's my strong suit.

If you could win one of the men's events, which one would it be?
I think the Masters is probably the biggest--that would be cool.

Would you look good in a green coat?
Yes! And I would get a matching skirt [Laughs].

So Tiger and Phil are tied for the lead coming into the 72nd hole of a major, which one are you pulling for?
Tiger.

You have a three-foot putt for your life. Do you call Tiger or do you putt it yourself?
I want to putt. Remember, I'm a control freak. I wouldn't delegate it to anybody.

Who's in your perfect foursome?
I've never met Madonna. She doesn't play golf, but how about her caddying for me? That would be nice. Brad Pitt. I wouldn't mind it if he joins the party. I'd want people who I admire, who are hard working. Agassi is someone I'd like to play golf with. I've met him a few times. He's a hard working guy, a successful guy. I like him a lot. It would be fun to have a comedian in there, too--to make it fun.