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Rudy Rush
You're listening to Mick Unplugged, hosted by the one and only Mick Hunt. This is where purpose meets power and stories spark transformation. Mick takes you beyond the motivation and into meaning, helping you discover your because and becoming unstoppable. I'm Rudy Rush, and trust me, you're in the right place. Let's get unplugged.
Mick Hunt
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of Mick Unplugged. And today, I am with my goat. Of all goats. A lot of you don't know this about me, but I picked up golf several years ago. I'm not great by any stretch of imagination. Most people say I'm not good by any stretch of imagination, but today's guest is the reason that I picked up a golf club to begin with. Watching her dominate, watching her competitive spirit, watching the consistence, taught me a lot about what I should be doing, both on the golf course and in life. So I'm honored to present to you the legendary, the iconic, the brilliant, the unparalleled Mrs. Annika Sorensen Hanukkah. How you doing today, Derek?
Annika Sörenstam
Well, thank you so much for that introduction. Great to be with you.
Mick Hunt
I am the honored one. This is truly a bucket list.
Fitbod/Zapier Announcer
You know, when he talked to my
Mick Hunt
kids and they saw that I started playing golf many, many years ago. And again, I'm not good by any stretch imagination. But I got into golf because of you. The domination that you had and the fearlessness that you had was so unparalleled. So again, I'm honored to be here with you.
Annika Sörenstam
Well, thank you. I'm glad you picked up the sport. As you know, it's a Fun sport you can do with everybody all your life. So good for you.
Mick Hunt
And you can't blame anyone else either. You can only blame yourself. Right. That's why I love golf.
Annika Sörenstam
That's true. I know sometimes you wish you could, but in the end, it all comes back to you.
Mick Hunt
Absolutely. Anika. The first question I love asking all of my guests is, what is your because? Right. Like, if I were to ask you what's your why? You're going to tell me, you know, my kids, my family, my community, my foundation. But when I say why, why is that important? That sentence usually begins with, well, because, and I care about your because. And your because changes over time. So if I were to say today, Annika Sorensen, what is your cause? Why do you do the things that you do?
Annika Sörenstam
That's kind of a fun way to ask that question. Because I think that hits the spot more directly. Because I think. I mean, it makes me feel good. I want to make a difference. I want to inspire the next generation. And because I feel. I feel very lucky, to be honest. I feel very lucky in the sense that, you know, I started playing golf as a hobby. Of course, it was fun. And then I took it to a different level. It became kind of my. My work, or if you want to put it, that was a kind of great work. And then, you know, be able to step away and continue to follow that passion. And so I think that is my.
Mick Hunt
Because I love that. I love everything about it because that truly defines who you are and I think who you always have been. You know, one of the things that I learned from you, and again, this isn't golf. This is just in life, is the dedication to your craft, always being prepared. You know, I've heard. I've heard you say this. I've heard Michael Jordan say the same thing. And it's something that I live by. You know, like Michael Jordan said, he never took a shot, he never practiced. Right. Like, he was always prepared for moments. And I've heard you say, you know, you were always prepared to do what you needed to do. Talk to us about just the preparation. Preparation, again, I get it in sports, but also in life. Like, I think you are one of, if not the most prepared person for moments that I've ever seen.
Annika Sörenstam
Well, thank you for me, you know, I just want to be ready. I'm going to step in in any arena. I want to be ready to go. It doesn't mean that I, you know, of course, I understand that sometimes you have to pivot, and especially golf. I mean, Things don't really turn out the way you think it is. It might start raining on the third hole, or you get bad bounces, you think, or whatever the circumstance, you have to learn how to pivot. But I do feel like to do something well and, and, you know, feel comfortable in something. To me, I'm just very shy by nature. So for me, preparation was a way to, you know, handle a situation. Knowing I'm ready, I can do that. Then that shyness and that nervousness didn't really appear so much. So I think for me it was just. It's almost like living and doing something before you do it made me feel very comfortable. And I think I can relate that to many things in my life where I feel in my mind I've done it and then I go and try and do it. You know, for me to go into a situation where totally, you know, out of the blue or totally cold, it would make me really, you know, uncomfortable. And that's where I think preparation gives me confidence. And I like to do things well. I mean, I like to represent personally, myself, my partners, my family. And to do that, to be, you know, you want to make sure that you do what you can. And that's giving me confidence. I think coming in and being aware of a situation or have done the research, knowing what I'm talking about, it just helps to feel good about something.
Mick Hunt
Absolutely. Absolutely. And I just learned something. I did not know that you were shy by nature. I would not have known that with how you interact and all the things that you do and the lives that you touch. But speaking of the lives that you touch, again, I think you single handedly had the greatest impact on the game of golf at a international and global level. And I give Tiger a ton of credit for that as well too. But I think you, you kind of had that first because again, for someone like me, it was watching you, it was watching you play, and it was watching again the domination that you had, but the preparation that you had. And you did everything with grace. And that's what I love. Like, you're ultra competitive, and I know that because I'm ultra competitive too. But you still handle things with grace. And I think a lot of people that are ultra competitive don't necessarily do that. Right. It's easy to win with grace, but it's, it's not easy to not win. I'm not going to say lose, but it's. It's not easy to not win with grace. When did you realize the global impact that you were having? On lives.
Annika Sörenstam
Yeah, I mean, I. I think just, you know, growing up in Sweden and, you know, Sweden is, you know, quite a small country that, you know, early on I was exposed to traveling around the world to compete. I mean, started obviously, you know, in Scandinavia, and then it was Europe, and then it was, you know, a little bit more globally after. And I just, you know, you get to experience different cultures and. And different people and understanding what. A little bit more about the world. So I learned pretty early what, you know, the. The big picture. And so I think for me was, you know, early. Early on is like, well, I represent myself, but I also represent Sweden and women's golf. And. And yes, I am extremely competitive, and I think I'm one of those players that, you know, I work very hard behind the scenes, you know, very disciplined, and then the curtain will open and here I come and I do my thing, and then. Then I kind of go. I've always wanted to take the trophy and run. I was never really somebody who wanted to be seen and be heard and, you know, kind of be on stage and. And have that limelight. That was just. That's not really what I was. That's ever really been important to me. I think what's been important to me is obviously the sport playing well, becoming a good golfer and fine tuning my game. And. And like my dad always said, you know, Annika, let the clubs do the talking. And. And that's really. I, you know, I would say that's kind of my core, how I am and what I stood for. And it made me comfortable. You know, I was never, you know, drama and theater and singing, that was just never my thing. But sports were. And this was my way of performing, but also doing it in a way that, you know, I enjoyed grinding. I mean, I love hitting balls on the range. I love working on my stroke. You know, I went out there and whether it was the gym or the mental aspect, just, you know, dissecting my game in pieces and really trying to make every piece the very best that I could. And I figured, you know, if I was the best player in every category, you know, I would be hard to beat. And that was really how. What drove me. That was my motivation, and that's what, you know, that was my goal through the years.
Mick Hunt
And you did it better than anyone else has ever done. So congratulations and kudos to you. But I know as proud as you are of what you did, you know, in the game of golf and what you're continuing to do in the game of golf, you also and these are my words and my words only. But you're more proud, I think, of. Of the lives that you're touching with the foundation that you have. And I'd love to talk about the Annika Foundation a little bit, because I'm proud of the work that you're doing, and I want to give you the floor to talk about the mission behind the foundation.
Annika Sörenstam
Yeah, well, thank you for bringing that up. When I stepped away, I knew that I wanted to do something to give back. And maybe this ties in with the first question is because. But I knew that, you know, I just, you know, I'm not finished. I just finished up competing myself. But I wanted to continue my legacy and be able to inspire the next generation of, you know, because I remember when, again, when I was a young girl, a shy young girl, and what was important and, you know, who I was looking up to and what were the possibilities. And, you know, when I stepped away in 2008, I mean, I felt like the possibilities of being a. A female golfer is a lot bigger today than it was, you know, when I, you know, when I started. And I, obviously, now, 20 years later, is even more opportunities for these young women. To me, that is just. I don't know, it makes you feel good and, and makes you proud that you're part of a sport where, you know, opportunities exist for young players, you know, to work hard and. And be able to travel around the world and, you know, you know, for. And have a, you know, make a living on a sport that they love. And so, you know, I really. I really get a lot of joy out of spending time with young, you know, young don't have to be professionals. But, you know, as, you know, these amateurs nowadays, they act like professionals. They're so. They're so mature already. But just to be able to talk to them, inspire them, motivate them and guide them by sharing stories or mistakes that I made and. And then to see them go on and. And do very well. I mean, it's like you cheer for them and you be cart. You know, you become part of their journey. And I. I really get a lot of joy out of that. And. And I feel like with my knowledge I have or the expertise and kind of the resources, you know, the foundation, we've been able to provide these opportunities to empower and advance young women through the sport. So, yeah, it's competitions, but it's also mentoring. We do sponsor some players. We sponsor a tour. We recognize successes for these young women. And. And it's just. I don't know, it's just opened doors for them. And it's been fun to see the growth of women's sport on different levels.
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Mick Hunt
I appreciate it. And I actually learned from you through the foundation as well too. And I I've had this question for you that I've been waiting to sit on because I need help hoping that Annika can help me here. How do you help these young people in such a distracted time that we have now? Right? Like, when I was growing up, I'm sure when you were growing up, there were no cell phones. There were, there were not distractions in your face. And I'm not saying that these are bad things. So, so don't think I'm being the old guy in the room, right? That's, that's not what I'm doing. You're like, how do you help people focus in a distraction, heavy world that we're in now?
Fitbod/Zapier Announcer
And this is me learning from you right now.
Mick Hunt
So you're coaching me?
Annika Sörenstam
Well, I, I, I don't know if I have the certificate to do that, but. No, I know exactly what you mean, because, I mean, I have two teenagers at home and, and you know, personally also, you know, we have cell phones and it feels like we're so busy all the time and that, you know, my mom says it all the time, just, you know, you guys are running around all day. And, you know, of course they're in the 80s, so they don't remember what they did when they were 40 or 50. And I'm sure they did similar. But I do feel like we, you know, by having access to, whether it's information or to people or just to anything, it's like we are constantly at a demand. Either people want us or we need other people. And it just feels like it's at the fingertips. So it's, there is a lot of distractions. And, you know, this human communication and going for a coffee break or, you know, those are just, they're very rare because, you know, the phone will ring or somebody text you. And so that accessibility, I think, is good and bad, but also, you know, our patience level is, so it's not the way it used to be. It's like you text somebody, if they don't text in five minutes, you're like, well, what's wrong? Right? So I think, so how do I, I manage that? How do I tackle that with, with our kids? And, you know, I think it, it's all about what's important. You know, you have to prioritize what's, you know, when it's you and, and you're doing something, achieving something and staying focused. And it's a constant battle for me, it's having a little me time. And, you know, if I'm in the middle of something, then, you know, this is My time and, you know, I don't want to have distractions or other people. I don't need more informations. I don't need more reels and videos to. To just, you know, complicate the decisions that you make. You know, put the phones away, focus on the moment and achieving things. And that's what I think is one of the things so good about golf is, you know, on the range. I mean, you. There's a few things that you can do. You know, leave the, you know, the phone in the golf bag, leave the phone in the cart, go hit some balls and putt, have a little competition. And, you know, don't put in your back pockets so that you feel every buzz or whatever it is. And, you know, and just. So those are some of the things that we do. But then again, I mean, technology is a good thing. I mean, today you can film your swing, you can. Can look at other people's swings, and you can analyze and get all kinds of information. So it's finding that balance where you are, you know, still can be a human. Because, you know, I mean, people talk about this AI, And I don't know if this is even part of the conversation, but, you know, there's certain things you can replace. I don't think you can replace a golfer or an athlete, like, in certain things. Right. So you still have to do, you know, do it. And that's really the repetitive motion of hitting shots and shots. So I always tell our son, especially, you don't need the phone here. You know, we're working on our swing, and it's you and I, we're having a discussion. So it's finding that balance where technology is helping. But then also, it's almost like a curve. You know, it gets to the point where it's good, and then too much is just kind of like that. So, yeah, I think balance is the word that we all need to, you know, implement in our lives. And, you know, that balance level, of course, can be different for different people. Not sure I answer your question, but it's something that we constantly. I mean, from the day we wake up to the day we go to bed, it's, you know, there's distractions left and right.
Mick Hunt
Yeah, no, you. You answered it perfectly. I needed that for me, like, you were coaching me because, you know, I work with youths and. And do a lot of my communities, and one of the things that I run into, it's like every teenager now was almost like their own publicist or their own journalists. Right? Because they can Go run their social media account and do whatever. And again, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it. I just had to learn what you just told me, and that's what I'm going to use is the balance, the healthy balance of distractions or of technology or of AI. So thank you for that. I needed that lesson learned from alcohol.
Fitbod/Zapier Announcer
You know, one of the things that
Mick Hunt
I've always praised you about and something I've learned, and I know you're helping your athletes and students with this, too, is just the mental fortitude that it takes not just to win, but to manage pressure. And I've always said this. You know, I work with entrepreneurs, I work with salespeople, and I work with. With young folks as well, too.
Fitbod/Zapier Announcer
Pressure is a real thing, but how
Mick Hunt
you control it, how you manage it, how you prepare for it is what separates those that can handle it and those who can't. And I don't like when people say there's no such thing as pressure. I'm like, no, you've never been in those moments before then.
Annika Sörenstam
Right.
Mick Hunt
Like, there are moments where pressure is definitely real. How do you work with your students on. On managing pressure?
Annika Sörenstam
Yeah, no, I mean, there's no doubt that pressure exists. Um, I think pressure comes in different forms, for sure. I mean, I would say in my case, a lot of the pressure that I feel, it's coming from me personally. You know, expectations, certain things I want to achieve, or people, you know, I think that they maybe expect me, that I have to do a certain thing. So you put pressure on yourself and, you know, I think, again, it goes back to preparation. You know, if I'm not prepared, then I feel a lot more pressure because I. It's like, okay, what am I doing? How am I going to attack this? And what am I going to say? And so. But I think, you know, pressure kind of goes hand in hand with. With goals and what do you want to achieve and being realistic about it. And I. I think that if, you know, for me, pressure has always been a way for me to focus a little bit more, being more disciplined, because I think pressure in a way is like, okay, well, it's time to do something, and I just stay more focused. If I. Rather than not having a goal or maybe not a deadline or maybe not a. Whatever it could be, I think it's important to have. I mean, you can have a vision and then you have a goal, and then. Then somehow pressure comes in there. But it's like, anything, a little pressure is good. Too much Is obviously, you know, I think that can be detrimental and the same thing. If you don't feel anything, then it's like, well, does this really mean anything to you? Do you care about this? So, and I think, how do you deal with pressures in golf? A lot of times it's been routine, sticking to my warmup routine, my pre shot routine, because it makes me focus on kind of my task and not so much on the results. If you just stare at a. Stare at something, and then I can see how, how the pressure would be, you know, your mount mounted pressure versus okay, I got to do this. So now you're like in the process of, okay, I got to, you know, choose the club, where's the win, and take the practice swing. Now it's like, I'm not focusing on the result. I'm focusing more what to do. As they say, the journey versus just, you know, staring at the result. And so I welcome pressure. And I always talked about these young women, you know, pressure and being nervous. It's like, you need a little bit of that in your mix, in the recipe. You need a little bit of that, but not too much. And so. And again, in the end of the day, I tried to say, if you're prepared, that's certainly gonna help you. And it's all those hours behind the door. A lot of people might think, well, that's boring. But it's that boringness, the consistency, that eventually you step out and now you execute, and now people are paying attention. And that's kind of what. What I enjoy. And that comes with all these different factors that create results.
Mick Hunt
I agree. And, you know, you taught me years ago muscle memory, and I heard you talking in an interview once of, you know, almost that mundane, right? The practice it until you can't practice it anymore because you have so much to think about that you don't want your body to react. You don't want your mind to react. You want your body and mind to do what it knows how to do. You want to be able to mentally tell yourself, I just need to hit the ball over here. You know how to do it because you've done it a hundred million times. Right. Talk to us about that. The. The power of, of mental reps and your body doing what it's supposed to do versus reacting to something or in the mind too, not just the body.
Annika Sörenstam
Yeah, I mean, that's. I think, you know, when you look at people that perform at the highest level, you know, they. They find that good balance. They find, you know, how to manage that and, but you're right. I mean the mind is really where, where it starts. I mean it has to come and I think it has to come from you personally. You know, you can have people tell you a lot of different things, but, you know, and I feel like my mind is probably one of my strongest suits. Like if I decide to do something it's, you know, my mind and then my body and then I go and do it. But that connection is, you know, is really important. I mean, especially, you know, in golf as I know the sport is, you know, a lot of people have the physical attributes and then it's like where it doesn't really connect and then you have the vice versa. We have a lot of people that are just extremely focused and then the physical aspect doesn't really connect. So you know, gonna work them and they need to be together in the sense that you have to taper them also, if you know what I mean. A lot of people I think are, you know, they feel physically strong and then, you know, not everything is synced and I think a combination of that and it's, you know, it's not, I wouldn't say it's, you know, super, super complicated. It's just being that, you know, consistent. Figure out your weaknesses and your strength. What do you need? But also understand that it doesn't have to be just one way. I mean, you gotta find your way where you feel like you're hitting, you know that you can.
Progressive Insurance Announcer
Peak support for this podcast comes from Progressive, America's number one motorcycle insurer. Did you know riders who switch and save with Progressive save nearly $180 per year. That's a whole new pair of riding gloves and more. Quote Today, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. National average 12 month savings of $178 by new customers surveyed who saved with Progressive between October 2022 and September 2023. Potential savings will vary.
Rudy Rush
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Annika Sörenstam
versus trying to do something. I mean, I'm not 6 4, so I can't do certain things and I'm not into this, but I can do it. You know, the way I think. And that's. I think that's. That's how you get success in the long run.
Mick Hunt
Yeah, I agree. So I know how competitive you are. Do you ever, every once in a while, just have to show them, hey, I still got it.
Annika Sörenstam
I mean, yeah, that's the hardest part when you're. I mean, I would say anybody that's been, you know, have achieved success or, you know, been. Been at the top of. Of something and, you know, that personal satisfaction or feeling that you still have some kind of worth, if you know what I mean, like a purpose. And I. A lot of times is, you know, you. You don't see a lot of athletes. I mean, they don't necessarily leave on their own. You know, many of them are forced to leave, maybe injuries or could be things. And then. Then you always wonder what it would been like to, you know, to get to the top and be able to leave on your free will. I was lucky to leave on my free will. But then also, when you step away, you keep asking yourself, you know, what's your purpose and what are you doing now and being competitive and always having to perform and. Or show something? And I think that's been the hardest part for me, you know, the last few years, is how do you still feel like you're doing something? And that's why the foundation has been a good thing for me, you know, because I look at the girls and I. I get joy out of that. But of course, you know, when I go play, in my mind, I'm still 28, and you still feel like, you know, you feel good, and then it just doesn't come together and those. I mean, it's frustrating. And I know other athletes have been at the top and they don't. They don't perform now. It. It just. I can't just shake it and say, oh, you know, because you always care and you always feel like, you know, I did it. Like, I just talked to somebody about my 59, and I'm just like, well, why don't I do that again? So I think as athletes and maybe type A personalities, people that are doers and strivers, it's hard when you leave your arena and trying to do something else that you still feel like you, you know, that you have, you know, again, a purpose or a role in. In your second chapter or third chapter.
Mick Hunt
Totally agree. Totally agree. You know, speaking of the foundation, because I'm such a huge fan of the impact that you're making and the. Because not even the mission, but the because behind the foundation, what are ways that those that are watching or listening can. Can be a part of the foundation that can help the foundation that can support the foundation?
Annika Sörenstam
Yeah. Well, thank you. Oh, it's annikafoundation.org number one. If you just want to check out what we do again, it. It's about empowering and advancing women through the sports. There's a lot of life lessons. You know, it's not just, okay, another golf tournament, another, you know, challenge. I mean, it's really about the human beings. And I tell people all the time, you know, we're humans that play golf. We're not golfers that trying to be human beings. So, you know, we really try to educate these young women, you know, build a great base. If golf is your calling, great. But, you know, why don't we use this golf as a platform for you to achieve your dreams? You know, off the course, it could be, you know, in manufacturing, maybe, could be in tournaments, it could be in management, it could be in journalism, whatever. It could be something that you can still use the game of golf. And we need women, you know, in these areas outside of competition. So. But I really feel like golf is, is a sport that teaches you so much about life. I mean, just you wake up in the morning and, you know, we talked about the word patience. You know, we talked about pressure. And I mean, as you know, there's a lot of integrity and discipline and confidence, all those things. Golf teaches you that. And it's just a sport that, you know, humbles you. But also sport you can do all your life. And so the synergy is really there. So as far as somebody wanting to help, I mean, you can go to the, to our website, learn a bit more about our cause and then look at what the things we do. We had lots of different initiatives. Of course you can volunteer and be part of our events, you know, help these young girls, resources, all kinds of stuff. I mean, sponsorships doesn't have to be necessarily just money. It could be, you know, other things, whatever it is that, you know, you might have access to that could be helpful and also just spreading the word about, you know, what we do and sign up, you're a young girl to one of our initiatives. We're all over the country in different parts. You know, we're going to be in Atlanta later in the spring and then, I mean, we have tournaments all around the world. So if you feel like you have, you know, a 6 year old to 12 year old, I just want to learn the game. We have initiatives for that. If you know somebody who's 12 to 18 and you know, somewhat, you know, competitive, we have tournaments for that. And then we also have players that are just graduating from college and entering the, you know, the Pro Circuit sponsor 14 of them, you know, they're just kind of entering that phase. You know, they didn't sign the million dollar contract. They need some help along their journey. So we have, you know, people that are helping them together with the foundation. So there are different ways to, you know, to help and it is the next generation of young women. And what I get again a lot of joy out of is these women are amazing representative of the sports. So they're great role models for, you know, for, for the next generation of theirs. So that's, that's pretty cool, I think. And one day I know they will get back to what's important to them.
Mick Hunt
Absolutely, absolutely. So the event in Atlanta, do you know the date for that?
Annika Sörenstam
I gotta look into that.
Mick Hunt
I'll look it up and I'm gonna link it.
Annika Sörenstam
Yeah, so share, share my passion clinic and we do different things and it's just you, you write a letter why you wanna be part of it and a lot of it the topic is why you love golf. And so yeah, I just, just to. And it's just fun. It's nothing, you know, no pressure packed. It's just introduction to the sport. You know, some girls are really good but you know, you get a chance to hit, you get a chance to pat. We do like a fitness station and I do clinic and just few things like that. We do but yeah, I mean I'm happy to send it or you go. This should be really right on the foundation website.
Mick Hunt
If not, then I'll get it, I'll get it from the foundation. No, no, no, I'll get it from there. And the reason I ask is because Atlanta is two hours from me. So I would love to support however I can and anytime you're doing anything east coast, southeast, I am personally going to make sure that I do my part to support and help. Whether that's financially being physically there or whatever it is like I'm going to do that and I'm going to challenge a few of my viewers and listeners as well too. So I'm going to find Annika foundation event and Mick Unplugged is going to go represent and so that'd be fun.
Annika Sörenstam
Yeah, you should come there and I mean talk to the girls and I mean it's just, I don't know, so fun. They're so they're like sponges, right? They want to learn and. And what I like really, about this and, you know, this already, but, you know, boys are. When you do clinics with boys, you know, they have a lot more confidence. You know, they raised their hand and they're. They feel confident even though they don't know anybody at the clinic. You know, a lot of girls are. You know, they're ready to sign up, and they think that they are, I'm not good enough or I don't know anybody. And all of a sudden they show up, and all of a sudden you see, you know, 40 other girls your age. You're like, wow, I thought I was alone doing it. And that. Just, you know, that's, you know, girls need to be more in a. They're more like impact. You know, they go in groups and they have fun in a group. Boys in general, you know, they don't. They're more like. They can be more lone wolves if, you know, I mean, they can go out there and they find people, but, you know, young ladies and young girls, they didn't. They need to be in a pack where they feel comfortable in their little girl zone.
Mick Hunt
Absolutely. Annika, again, you are my goat of goats. I know how busy you are, so just to take a little bit of time out of your. Your day and your schedule means the absolute world to me. I'm going to get you out of here on my rapid fire top five. So you don't get to prepare, you don't get to think, but it'll be fun, I promise.
Annika Sörenstam
Of course. Yeah. No. Thank you for having me on my show, number one. I know you've done quite well, so I was intrigued to have a conversation.
Mick Hunt
No, it meant the world to me. You made my year. You've already made 20, 26. So I could talk to no one else, and I will be perfect and content. But like I said, I am going to support the foundation, so I'm going to. I'm gonna do that. I'll reach out to your team and figure out what I can do and how I can do it. But I'm a huge supporter and thank you. All right, so here's the rapid fire. You ready? All right. Number one, the favorite course you've ever played, Alpine Valley. I knew that. You've already said that. I. I just wanted to hear it.
Annika Sörenstam
Okay. Sorry.
Mick Hunt
No, no, no. I've heard you say it on. On TV before. What's one golf rule that you would change?
Annika Sörenstam
You know, I don't like when you hit a A good drive in the middle of the fairway and you're in somebody's divots that should be ground under repair.
Mick Hunt
Yes. Totally agree. Totally agree. So I know you're an athlete, too. So besides golf, growing up, what was your other go to sport?
Annika Sörenstam
So I competed in tennis for eight years, so that was really what I wanted. I wanted to be a tennis pro. I watched the US Open a lot and then I did a lot of downhill skiing. So yeah, I have those to sports, but I love sports in general. But I would say those two and I have a lot of things that I could have done and continue to do.
Mick Hunt
Yep. One of the best athletes you will ever find is Annika, for sure. What's one hidden talent that you possess that most people don't know you have hidden talents?
Annika Sörenstam
I enjoy cooking. You know, I don't burn too many things. My husband think I can make my husband think I can make anything out of leftovers, so. But he's very nice.
Mick Hunt
There you go. There you go.
Annika Sörenstam
A good scrambler. How about that?
Mick Hunt
I love it. I love it. So, last question. Your ideal Sunday afternoon looks like what
Annika Sörenstam
you know, I love being home. So we would probably an afternoon where I can prepare for a nice meal for some friends. We love to entertain, having good friends over. So for me to look through a few recipe books, you know, put a meal together like a three course and then head out to my herb garden and then doing that, that's probably what I enjoy. And then, you know, my family, you know, just being in the be in the area, whether Mike is watching football or hanging out and the kids are there, maybe they're playing with friends in the area. That would be my favorite, you know, Sunday afternoon. I'll do that any day.
Mick Hunt
Annika, again, totally honored to spend time with you. This means the world to me. Everybody. Do me a huge favor. Annikafoundation.org Run over there right now. There's many ways that you can be a part of what's going on and just see all the goodness that Annika and the foundation team are to impact the lives and the development of others. So, Annika, thank you so much, dear.
Annika Sörenstam
Thank you. You've been a true gentleman. Thank you very much.
Mick Hunt
You got it. And to all the viewers and listeners, remember you're because here's your superpower. Go on YouTube.
Rudy Rush
That's another powerful conversation on Mick Unplugged. If this episode moved you, and I'm sure it did, follow the show wherever you listen. Share it with someone who needs that spark and leave a review so more people can find there because I'm Rudy Rush and until next time, stay driven, stay focused and stay unplugged.
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Annika Sörenstam
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Podcast: Mick Unplugged
Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Annika Sörenstam
Date: March 12, 2026
Episode Theme: Exploring the power of “Because” as a driving force, with legendary golfer Annika Sörenstam sharing insights on preparation, impact, purpose, and leadership—applicable to both golf and life.
This episode centers around the concept of “Because”—the deeper reasoning and motivation behind actions, as opposed to just the surface-level “Why.” Legendary golfer Annika Sörenstam joins host Mick Hunt for a candid and inspiring conversation that transcends sport, focusing on unlocking potential, managing distractions and pressure, building resilience, and giving back, especially through her foundation’s work empowering young women in golf.
“I want to make a difference. I want to inspire the next generation. And because I feel very lucky, to be honest.” – Annika Sörenstam
“For me, preparation was a way to handle a situation. Knowing I’m ready, I can do that. Then that shyness and that nervousness didn’t really appear so much.” – Annika Sörenstam
“Let the clubs do the talking.” – Annika’s father’s advice
“It makes you feel good and makes you proud that you’re part of a sport where opportunities exist for young players, you know, to work hard and... make a living on a sport that they love.” – Annika Sörenstam
“It’s finding that balance where you are, you know, still can be a human... put the phones away, focus on the moment and achieving things.” – Annika Sörenstam
Navigating Stress and Expectation (19:23):
“There’s no doubt that pressure exists... pressure comes in different forms... a lot of the pressure that I feel, it’s coming from me personally.” – Annika Sörenstam
Muscle Memory & Repetition (22:43):
“It has to come from you personally. My mind is probably one of my strongest suits. Like if I decide to do something it’s, you know, my mind and then my body and then I go and do it.” – Annika Sörenstam
“How do you still feel like you have, you know, again, a purpose or a role in your second chapter or third chapter[?]” – Annika Sörenstam
“We’re humans that play golf. We’re not golfers that trying to be human beings.” – Annika Sörenstam
“It’s almost like living and doing something before you do it made me feel very comfortable.” – Annika Sörenstam (04:38)
“You don’t need the phone here. We’re working on our swing, and it’s you and I, we’re having a discussion.” – Annika Sörenstam (16:40)
“A little pressure is good. Too much is obviously... detrimental. And the same thing, if you don’t feel anything, then it’s like, well, does this really mean anything to you?” – Annika Sörenstam (19:23)
“It’s about empowering and advancing women through the sports. There’s a lot of life lessons… I tell people all the time, you know, we’re humans that play golf.” – Annika Sörenstam (27:20)
“When you do clinics with boys...they have a lot more confidence...a lot of girls...think they are not good enough or don’t know anybody.” – Annika Sörenstam (31:38)
“When you hit a good drive in the middle of the fairway and you’re in somebody’s divot, that should be ground under repair.” (33:16)
Final Thought:
“You’re Because is your superpower.” – Mick Hunt (35:15)