LPGA needs 'another great American like Annika'

This amusing anecdote came at the end of a Q&A columnist Ken Willis of the Daytona Beach News-Journal conducted with LPGA commissioner Mike Whan, in response to Willis' question as to whether the success of the tour depends on having American stars:

"I took the job in January," Whan replied. "In February I get an email. Older guy, from Phoenix, and he writes, 'Commissioner Whan, your tour will never be great again until you get another great American like Annika Sorenstam at the top of the list.' I read it three or four times. There's no doubt, this guy thinks Annika is American. The point is, don't think Americans won't embrace stars that weren't born here."

Sorenstam, of course, is a native of Sweden.

-- John Strege