The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Alumnae corner: Q&A with Charlotta Sorenstam
02.25.2009 | Women's Golf
Feb. 25, 2009
All-American Texas alumna Charlotta Sorenstam is one of two players in Texas Women's Golf history to capture an NCAA Individual title. After 10 years on the LPGA Tour and one career victory, she has joined her sister, Annika Sorenstam, as the Director of Golf at the ANNIKA Academy in Orlando, Fla. TexasSports.com caught up with 'Lotta' and she detailed some of her experiences at Texas and her plans for the future.
What do you miss most about Austin?
I miss the landscape and the people, there are a lot of nice and happy people living in Austin.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Texas?
Apart from winning the NCAA Individual Championship, I would say the cookouts we had now and then with the team were my favorite.
What was the hardest part about traveling so far from home to attend college?
It was the change in culture, weather and AIR CONDTIONING! I got sick the first month from the cold air.
Looking back, would you change anything about your collegiate career?
I would have stayed longer (I only stayed one year).
What do you miss most about your college days, if anything?
I miss being able to practice and play with my teammates.
What advice would you give to another foreign player looking to come to the U.S. for college golf?
You should definitely come if you have an opportunity. It can give you so much experience and it's a great way to combine studies and golf practice. It's a lifelong experience and lesson--not only for golf, but for you as a person to grow in every possible way.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in life?
When I did the Heimlich maneuver on Donna Caponi and saved her life (2005).
You are now the Director of Golf Operations at the ANNIKA Academy, can you tell us a little bit about what you do there and what it's like working with your sister?
I'm in charge of creating every schedule for all of our different packages. Or, if you would like one custom made, (if you come as a group of 8) I will create one after your needs. I co-teach together with Henri Reis (Annika's and my instructor). I do Callaway Club Fitting, and I'm the "tech gal" when it comes to instruction (we have V-1, K-Vest and Flight Scope). I make sure our practice facility is up to standards. I teach course management and the most important thing I do is that I take care of all of our guests from the time they arrive to the time they go home.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I will be running the ANNIKA Academy or an affiliate somewhere in the world, and I will be working with a few LPGA and PGA Tour players as their instructor.
What is one thing you would want people to know about you?
That for being a rookie instructor--I'm not that bad.