Sorenstam Makes Return to LPGA a Winning One

AURORA, Ill. — Annika Sorenstam followed history with a victory.

Sorenstam never broke stride as she returned to the LPGA Tour after her historic rounds at the Colonial, a PGA Tour event. Despite bogeying her final two holes, she breezed to a three-stroke victory in the Kellogg-Keebler Classic on Sunday.

“No, no letdown at all,” she said. “On the contrary. When I came here, I thought everybody was so positive and energetic that I was back. Especially the fans. I thought they were pulling for me all week. It was great.”

So was she, leading the tournament wire-to-wire to win it for a second consecutive year. Her one-under-par 71 on Sunday gave her a 17-under 199 for the 54-hole tournament.

It was her second victory of the year on the LPGA Tour -- her 44th overall. She earned $180,000 with the win, putting her back in first place on the money list with $734,501.

“Obviously, I’m very, very pleased,” she said. “It’s been a great week. To come back and perform the way I did was pretty much incredible with everything going on last week.”

Mhairi McKay had four birdies on the back nine -- including three in a row -- but a triple bogey on the par-four No. 4 hole all but ended her chance to win. McKay shot a 72, finishing three strokes behind at 14-under 202.

“I sort of had not the best start, so to finish this way is a great feeling,” said McKay, who also was second last year. “I’m kind of a bit disappointed at the same time, because I really wanted to push Annika today.

“But I’m proud of myself for hanging up there and finishing strong.”

More than 22,000 people came out for the final round -- many to see Sorenstam. They wore the now-familiar “Go Annika!” buttons, and followed her from hole to hole as if she were the Pied Piper.

Sorenstam won the inaugural Kellog-Keebler Classic last year, winning by 11 strokes.