Sorenstam in Dubai for final event; won't rule out return

Dec 10, 2008 - 3:19 AM DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Ticker) - Annika Sorenstam has refused to rule out a return to competitive golf.

Sorenstam announced in May she would quit the sport at the end of 2008, but left open the possibility of a comeback Tuesday as she prepares for her final event on the Ladies European Tour.

"I don't have any immediate plans on if I should return and, if so, when," the 38-year-old said ahead of the Dubai Ladies Masters which begins Thursday. "I'm just going to go with the flow and see how I feel."

Sorenstam is hoping to win the event at Emirates Golf Club for the third time in three tries to end her career on a victorious note.

"It's a little bittersweet to make this my last professional tournament. I'm here to enjoy it," she said.

The Swede won 89 tournaments worldwide and became the first woman in 58 years to compete against the men on the PGA Tour.

"If I had to pick one thing that defines me, I would say that it's playing with the men in 2003," she said, referring to her appearance at Colonial, where she performed creditably before missing the cut by four shots.

"I made a lot of mistakes (in my career), and hopefully learned from them, but I can't think of something I haven't done. And I still have time. I'm only 38 so if there's something I missed, I'm going to make sure that it's done by the time I'm finished."