ORLANDO (Florida) – Christmas arrived early for Will McGee. He was so excited to play in the pro-am of PNC Championship with his mom that he ran up and down the halls of their Lake Nona family home. Annika Sorenstam, who has always played the PNC alongside her father Tom, is now a caddie for the 10-time major champion and enjoys a front row seat to see his grandson have an absolute blast.
Will, a 11-year old boy, was the youngest player in the field. He put his clubs on the range right next to Tiger Woods when it was time to warm up Friday morning. Woods, Charlie (13 year old son), and Annika took photos on the first tee. Annika and Tiger have 25 major championship titles between the two of them.
Will, the outgoing Will, said that he thought he would be nervous during his first-tee experience. “But I was more excited then nervous, which was surprising. It was great.
Will had wanted to play in the PNC with his mom for a while now. But Sorenstam wanted to ensure he was prepared for this kind of spotlight. Will recently met Tiger at The Match VII.
Sorenstam said, “We don’t want to place him on a platform where he’s uncomfortable.” “I want him feel that this is fun.”
They let him make the final decision.
Growing up, Sorenstam was an athlete in multiple sports. Will’s mother wanted the same, but Will has become a complete golf addict on his own. Will is a regular tee-off player with Henrik Stenson and Josh Poulter’s sons. They often go out pushing their carts until the dark. Mom and dad can track Will’s location by iPhone so he can be returned to their house.
Sorenstam said, “The golf course was their playground.” “Sometimes, it’s 36 holes. They’ll be inside eating burgers during a rainstorm. It’s hard to ask for better.
Will participates in U.S. local events Space Coast Florida and Kids Golf. He currently competes on average three weekends per month. Sorenstam stated that this is a lot. She will take a look at him and give some mental advice. But, she mostly does what her father did: she allows him to be himself.
Sorenstam is a big fan of all the different ways Will and his friends play the game.
She said, “I want it to flow.”
Will would like to play college golf at Stanford just as his text buddy Maverick McNealy. They often hang out in Lake Tahoe together.
Sorenstam hopes this game will be a passion for her life. She is concerned about burnout because Will is being pushed but not because he doesn’t want to do anything else.
Will says he worked mainly on his driver and irons leading up to this event because he knew the yardage would likely be longer. His short game is a strength and he enjoys having putting and chipping contests with his mom.
Sorenstam said, “He’s so competitive,” and “he wants me to beat him in every thing we do.”
Will was determined to get his shots in, even as they were practicing for the scramble. It would be preferable to have more.
Sorenstam says to him that he will get him to the green, and that he will put them in the hole.
Annika said that Will would have 36 players today if he had his way. pic.twitter.com/GhnPKdDoDH
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) December 16, 2022
Sorenstam is now back in competition. It’s been a family-first mentality. Although she is still competitive, Sorenstam enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Will will always remember that having a great time is her top priority.
Three generations of Sorenstam’s families will join forces this week at PNC to celebrate all the ways this game has been loved by many for decades. Sorenstam hopes her son will leave this week enthused about the game.
Sorenstam said, “He’s eleven.” He puts on a hoodie and then lays down on a box of tees. That’s how it should be.
“You want them to have fun and not grow up too fast. You want them to be able enjoy the moment.
By: Beth Ann Nichols
Title: 'Let’s not be too serious': Annika Sorenstam set to partner with her golf-addicted son Will at the PNC, where the emphasis is on fun
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/12/16/annika-sorenstam-son-will-mcgee-pnc-championship/
Published Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2022 21:56:57 +0000
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