Sorenstam gains 8th LPGA win of season

Even Annika Sorenstam is running out of words for her accomplishments.

Sorenstam captured her eighth LPGA Tour win of the season Sunday, holding on for a one-stroke victory over Kate Golden at the Safeway Classic.

It was the third win in as many starts and 39th career LPGA title for the Swedish star, moving her into sole possession of 10th on the all-time list. She also became the first player since Nancy Lopez in 1978-79 to claim as many as eight victories in consecutive seasons.

"I'm a little lost for words," Sorenstam said. "I just come here, try to play the best I can. When you add 'em all up, I'm more than amazed myself. I'm more than happy about what I've done. I'm going to play golf for many more years, so let's see what happens."

Next, Sorenstam leads the European team into the Solheim Cup competition in Edina, Minnesota. The Europeans captured the Cup two years ago in Scotland but never have won on American soil.

The same cannot be said for Sorenstam, who will win LPGA Tour Player of the Year honors for the fifth time, two shy of Kathy Whitworth's record.

"My eighth win, same as last year, and the season isn't over yet," Sorenstam said. "This means a lot to me. And Portland has always been good to me as well, good course, great tournament, and the fans have been wonderful. So this is a special win."

Sorenstam followed Saturday's 62 with a 4-under-par 68 and broke Dottie Pepper's 1996 tournament record at 17-under 199.

But her 10th win worldwide this year did not come easily. She started the day with a three-stroke lead and extended it to four before Golden rallied. The 35-year-old Texan birdied the 11th and 12th holes and climbed within a shot when Sorenstam bogeyed the par-4 15th.

"I felt really good after 10, four shots up. I figured I could play safe now, but that didn't last very long," Sorenstam said. "All I was trying to do was hit the fairway, hit the green, but she was always a little closer."

"I am thinking, `All right, the door is opening a little bit,'" Golden recalled. "And I thought if I could make a birdie or two coming in, I might catch her."

But Golden did not make another birdie until the par-4 18th - after an emotional Sorenstam birdied to seal the win.

"When I made that putt, I felt some tears coming down my cheeks," Sorenstam admitted. "I knew what this would mean. ... I was in a position to win again and I didn't want to let it go. So it was emotional."

"It was super, it was just fun," Golden said. "It was going back and forth. And Karen (Stupples) would make birdies and eagles, and it was fun. It was a fun day."

Stupples tied Rosie Jones for third at 12-under 204. Michele Redman and Emilee Klein were eight shots off the pace.

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