Annika Sorenstam and J.B. Holmes were both a part of the Forsgate Foundation Charity Golf Classic Tuesday, culminating a two-day event that began Monday evening with a live and silent auction at the Country Club.
The duo conversed with charity participants as foursomes played Tuesday morning. Then, despite rain drops, they took part in a skills exhibition in mid-afternoon. The pros also faced off in an 18-hole skins game for charity.
"I do (charities) fairly often, and some in my hometown," said Holmes, ranked 25th on this year's PGA Tour money list at $2.3 million in earnings. He also played on the Ryder Cup team two years ago. "It's nice to be able to give back," the 28-year-old said. "I've been very blessed."
Sorenstam, who turns 40 next week, is considered the greatest female golfer of all time. She retired 18 months ago, and last September delivered her first child. "It's a given," Sorenstam said about aiding charitable events. "I'm at a time in my life when I can give back. I'm privileged. It's never crossed my mind that I wouldn't."
Nor did it ever cross her mind that life after golf would be so fulfilling. "I have not looked back. Life is good," she said.
She and her husband are involved in several business ventures, not the least of which is ANNIKA Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2007. Her ANNIKA brand of business includes a golf academy, financial group, golf course design, clothing line, high-end wines and a fragrance line.
