

Athletes’ lives seem all about fun and fame until tragedy strikes. Often, their plight is what brings out their humane side to the world, who are so used to seeing their prowess from afar. Misfortune brings to light the sadness they feel. Such instances also serve as a reminder to the athletes and their fans of our common humanity and subsequent mortality. Recently, such a tragedy befell LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam as she announced the loss of someone close to her.
Our hearts are broken to hear about the passing of our family friend, Bonnie Bell McGowan. We cherish our memories, our laughs and the friendship. RIP @PineNeedlesGolf pic.twitter.com/MCYDLJtDLT
— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) January 14, 2023
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With 72 career victories and 10 majors, Sorenstam is one of the best to ever grace the LPGA. The mother of two is also very devoted to her family and friends. And the loss of someone close, just like it does for everyone else, has hit hard the Swedish golfer.
Annika Sorenstam mourns the death of a loved one
Sorenstam recently expressed her sadness on Twitter when she revealed that she lost a friend very close to her heart. Heartbroken, the star wrote, “Our hearts are broken to hear about the passing of our family friend, Bonnie Bell McGowan.” She stated that McGowan was extremely close to Sorenstam and her family and that the news was heart wrenching.

via Imago
PGA, Golf Herren PNC Championship – Pro-Am Dec 16, 2022 Orlando, Florida, USA Annika Sorenstam hits from a practice bunker before a pro-am round of the PNC Championship golf tournament at Ritz Carlton Golf Club Grande Lakes Orlando Course. Orlando Ritz Carlton Golf Club Grande Lakes Orlando Course Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xReinholdxMatayx 20221216_jcd_mb4_0006
“We cherish our memories, our laughs and the friendship. RIP” added the golf legend. Bonnie was the eldest child of LPGA founding member Peggy Kirk Bell. She and her family owned the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club. And on the 12th of this month, the golf enthusiast died at the age of 68.
Read More – ‘It’s Ridiculous’: Golf World Left Disappointed Over Latest Annika Sorenstam News
As per the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club site, Sorenstam’s close friend was an athlete, too. In college, she played both basketball and golf. Undoubtedly, Bonnie and Annika shared some great memories together.
Sorenstam only recently dealt with the loss of another person
Just a few weeks ago, Annika penned yet another heartfelt post about the loss of someone dear to her, Kathy Whitworth. The all-time LPGA winner was certainly an inspiration to Annika on the Tour. She mourned her death and sent out prayers to the Whitworth family.
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We are very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Kathy. As the LPGA‘s all-time wins, leader, and a total class act, she will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and close friends. Thanks for setting the bar so high, Kathy. RIP pic.twitter.com/WNpZVLl67y
— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) December 25, 2022
Sorenstam wrote on Twitter, “We are very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Kathy.” After praising the late golfer for her accomplishments, she added, “Thanks for setting the bar so high, Kathy. RIP.” Kathy had undoubtedly given the 10-time major winner a goal to work towards and helped her move forward and achieve greatness in her career.
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As the tragic deaths among Sorenstam’s close ones continue, fans pray that brighter days follow for the LPGA legend. The entire golf world certainly stands with her during this tough time.
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