Sorenstam shoots LPGA record 59

Sweden's Annika Sorenstam made history yesterday when she became the first woman to shoot 59 with an astonishing performance …

Sweden's Annika Sorenstam made history yesterday when she became the first woman to shoot 59 with an astonishing performance in the second round of the Standard Register Ping Tournament.

"I am just overwhelmed and can't believe what I have just done," said an ecstatic Sorenstam after her 13-underpar round.

In glorious conditions at Moon Valley, the Swede tore the record books to shreds with a flawless round of 13 birdies and a 36-hole total of 20-under-par 124. She led by a massive nine strokes over American Pat Hurst.

The previous best LPGA score was 61, the 36-hole scoring record was 17-under and 11 was the most birdies ever recorded in one round.

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On the men's PGA Tour, Al Geiberger, Chip Beck and David Duval have all shot 59.

Sorenstam started at the 10th and made birdies at her first eight holes, added four more in a row at the start of the back nine and then made a two-putt birdie at the par-5 eighth to secure her place in the record books.