the goat
Annika Sorenstam’s son Will McGee moves mom to tears with lovely emotional interview
David Cannon
Annika Sorenstam has 72 wins on the LPGA Tour and 10 majors, but we would bet everything we have that one of her most memorable golf experiences is this year’s T-11 finish at the PNC Championship. At 15-under with rounds of 62 and 67, the golf was pretty dang good, but it’s the walk down the 18th fairway with her son Will McGee that’ll last.
While finishing up the final round at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando, Will told his mom take her time so that they could really soak it all in: “Slow down, Mommy, I don’t want this moment to end.”
Will McGee went on to treat the fans to a pitch-perfect bunker shot and even doffed his cap for the admiring public. Tears were shed, the green was found. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Sorenstam and McGee spoke to NBC Sports after the round, and things got even more emotional (in a good way, of course).
“It’s the best week of my year and life I have,” Will said. “It’s so much fun being able to do it with her. Thank you PNC for everything.”
“It’s so much fun. We have a good time together.” Annika added. “Obviously, we wanted to do a little better today, but I think just walking together and having a good time. I was walking pretty fast on 18 and he says, ‘Slow down, Mommy. I want to enjoy this moment.’ So, I think that’s kind of what we did all week.”
The 12-year-old didn’t just have a strong showing with Sorenstam but added two monumental golf accomplishments to his list: An ace and fraternizing with Tiger Woods. During an after-school practice round at Ritz-Carlton on Wednesday, Will McGee used a 7-iron on the par-3 fourth and dunked it. He even had a rules official verify the ace.
If the golf doesn’t work out for Will McGee, perhaps a career as NBC Sports' next lead analyst is Plan B. The Sorenstam progeny interviewed Charlie Woods with Tiger watching along (and throwing chicken). Will and Charlie bonded over having Hall-of-Fame parents and having fun at the PNC Championship. Damn good reporting, Will.
