I've been waiting for someone to write an article about the repercussions of Annika Sorenstam's retirement at the end of the season, and, now, someone has. Robert Thompson of the National Post suggests that Sorenstam's departure could be a major blow to the LPGA, as she is 'one of the LPGA's few visible stars'...
Sorenstam, in Aurora yesterday for an event in support of women's charities, said the response to her decision has "been very positive."
It may have been positive for her personally, but the move raises questions for the LPGA, which has to develop new stars and attract corporate dollars out of a floundering American economy...
The decision to stage a retirement tour of sorts should lead to increased interest in Sorenstam as the year progresses. But where are the stars to replace her?
Thompson makes a great point. Players like Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel will need to step up once Sorenstam retires. If not, women's golf could suffer.