Who was your idol when growing up?
Annika. It's always been Annika Sorenstam. When I was much younger I told myself that one day I will play with her. That's what motivated me and that's why I'm on the LPGA Tour.
And now you live in her old house in Orlando...
[Laughs]. Yeah, I know. It's unbelievable; when I was young this would be totally unimaginable. Last year I was looking for a place and she called me saying that I should come and look at her house, as she was moving. I was only looking for a small apartment – definitely not a huge place – and I always said I would never live in Orlando – I thought there would be a lot of bugs and alligators and the weather is not so good [laughs]. But the first time I stepped inside her home she and I both knew I was going to move in.
So you and her must be good friends now?
Yes, but I'm still very nervous when I meet her. She was and is my hero and I always worry I'm going to run out of things to say to her. But she's so friendly and has helped me a lot. She's one of the best players in history and she's been so kind.
What about when you first joined the LPGA? Did any of the other players help you then?
Lorena Ochoa was fantastic. She contacted me early on and taught me a lot. I asked her how she handled all the pressure and she told me that the most important thing is to organize everything that goes in your life outside the ropes first. Setting up a home, making sure your family is happy... that kind of thing. By doing that, she said, it means that when you're on the course golf is the only thing you have to focus on. You're not worrying about anything else. I cried when she announced her retirement. I cried when Annika retired too. I was so sad.
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