GOLF

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- As many emails as Becky Newell's exchanged with Annika Sorenstam in recent weeks, the news the LPGA star would step away from the tour was a surprise -- but was not surprising.

Newell, tournament director for the LPGA Tour's Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika, says Sorenstam has regained her form and has decided the time was right for a change in lifestyle. "It's the right time and I think she's very at peace with herself," Newell said.

Sorenstam is very involved in the tournament, which takes place at the RiverTowne Country Club from May 29-June 1. Newell says she'll get emails and calls from the star giving input or asking how things are going.

Sorenstam discussed her decision in Clifton, N.J. where the tour's Sybase Classic takes place this week. She said the retirement won't change her involvement in the Ginn Tribute.

"Being the hostess and being a part of the game is something I'm going to continue in the future," she said. "So nothing is changing as far as I know, not from my end, anyway."

The Ginn Tribute is in its second year and has at least two more years to run at its home just outside of Charleston.

Sorenstam, 37, has said in recent years she wanted to spend more time on growing her business ventures and start a family. Sorenstam is engaged to Mike McGee, the son of former PGA Tour player Jerry McGee.

Sorenstam said she's leaving the game on her terms and Newell couldn't agree more. Just look at Sorenstam's revival after an injury plagued 2007, Newell said. The latest evidence came last week in Sorenstam's dominating seven-shot victory at the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill.

"Her solid performance, her consistency and what she did at Michelob only proves still she's one of the top female golfers of her time," Newell said.

Newell expects Sorenstam to be just as, if not more, involved in building the Ginn Tribute once she finishes with the LPGA Tour.

"There are so many other icons that host golf tournaments. We look at Nancy Lopez. We look at Arnold Palmer," Newell said. "There are times we're exchanging emails or talking on the phone every other day."

Although they haven't discussed future plans yet, Newell wouldn't be surprised to see Sorenstam spending more time in the area next spring to fortify relationships and grow the event.

Sorenstam, taking questions on her retirement, said Tuesday she hoped to stay part of golf's fabric. "I want to continue to help inspire kids and I want to be, you know, there to help women's sports," she said. "I might not be inside the ropes, but I'm looking forward to another part of my life where I can help in different ways."

Part of the Ginn Tribute's purpose is to celebrate those who built women's golf. A year ago, the tournament honored six of the LPGA's founding members. This upcoming event will honor LPGA Hall of Famer Beth Daniel, a South Carolina native who's the captain of next year's U.S. Solheim Cup team.

Sorenstam's goal for this year's Ginn Tribute? Play better than a year ago.

That's when Sorenstam was just back from nearly two months recovering from disk problems in her neck and back and struggled to tie for 36th, 14 shots behind champion Nicole Castrale.

Castrale won her first LPGA event by defeating world No. 1 Lorena Ochoa in a playoff a year ago.

"Hopefully, I will perform better this year than last year," Sorenstam said.

Newell has noodled over a few ideas to honor the tournament host in what could be her last time playing the Ginn Tribute, but nothing has been firmed up yet.

The best honor for Sorenstam could be holding the tournament's trophy in victory. Newell wouldn't bet against that.

"She hopes to be in contention and be at the top of the leaderboard," Newell said.