Twenty-Five Years Later, Annika Sorenstam Historic 59 Remains LPGA Tour Only Sub-60 Round

Twenty-five years ago today, Annika Sorenstam achieved what remains one of professional golf most remarkable and enduring records, carding a 13-under 59 during the second round of the Standard Register Ping tournament in Phoenix - a score that stands alone as the LPGA Tour only sub-60 round.

The Swedish legend historic achievement at Moon Valley Country Club came under the most unlikely circumstances, beginning with traffic delays that forced her to rush her pre-round preparation. Despite the chaotic start to her day, Sorenstam delivered what playing partner Meg Mallon described as as pure and perfect as you can get.

Mallon own 1-under score that day felt like an 80, she later admitted, providing perspective on just how extraordinary Sorenstam performance was on a day when perfection seemed to flow effortlessly from her clubs. The round featured an incredible 13 birdies that created a scoring exhibition unlike anything witnessed before or since on the LPGA Tour.

The statistical significance of Sorenstam achievement becomes even more impressive when viewed through the lens of golf history. While seven players have recorded 60s on the LPGA Tour, and the PGA Tour has witnessed 15 sub-60 rounds including Jim Furyk 59 and 58, Sorenstam 59 remains in a class by itself in women professional golf.

The round began on the back nine, where Sorenstam playing alongside sister Charlotta and Mallon, started building what would become an unforgettable birdie barrage. Early in the round, she asked caddie Terry McNamara how many consecutive birdies he had witnessed, establishing a baseline for what might be possible.

Well, I have done six before, she told McNamara, so I know I can do six. This confidence in her ability to extend birdie streaks would prove prophetic as the round unfolded into something truly special.

After eight consecutive birdies, even Sorenstam felt the pressure mounting. She told McNamara that she was so nervous that she needed to make par, which she accomplished at the ninth hole before resuming her birdie assault on her 10th hole of the day.

The psychological aspect of the round revealed Sorenstam championship mentality as she approached the final hole. Standing on the ninth green at Moon Valley, she told McNamara that she was not going to play conservatively away from the flag. With 58 in her sights, she committed to an aggressive approach that reflected her unwavering belief in her abilities.

Coming down the stretch, in my mind, I had kind of done it, if you know what I mean, Sorenstam reflected years later. You just have to have that belief. This mental preparation and visualization proved crucial as she faced a 15-foot birdie putt that would either secure golf immortality or require settling for par.

When the birdie attempt rolled approximately three feet past the hole, Sorenstam faced a par putt that would ultimately define much of her career identity and legacy. Standing over the pressure-packed putt, she filled her mind with every positive thought possible before rolling in the 59.

The scene that followed captured the magnitude of the achievement. Sorenstam leaped into McNamara arms as approximately 30 to 40 players who had been preparing for their own rounds on the adjacent putting green stopped to witness history. The place was going nuts, McNamara recalled, describing an atmosphere befitting such a momentous occasion.

The immediate impact extended beyond the single round, as Sorenstam used the momentum to win the tournament by two shots over Se Ri Pak. The following week, she captured the Nabisco Championship, the first major of the season, demonstrating how the 59 launched a period of sustained excellence.

For McNamara, the round represented a defining moment in their partnership. This was the day for me, he said. She probably knew it before, but this was my day where I thought OK, we can do all this. Because if we can do this today, we can do anything.