ORLANDO — Will McGee was pumped as his 6-foot birdie putt on the last hole fell. Annika Sorenstam’s 11-year-old son turned to the grandstands beaming with joy as the crowd erupted around the 18th hole.
Fans began to chant “Will!” Will! Will!” He hugged his mom, dad, and Team Duval. Will turned to the crowd once more and gave one last wave.
His first experience at the PNC Championship was a 10.
Will, who was the youngest player to tee off in this event celebrating 25 years, said, “It’s amazing to be inside with her and be able to stroll down the fairways.”
This was my favorite part of the entire day. Young Will is greeted by the crowd when they chant his name 18! pic.twitter.com/79mPmIERvC
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) December 18, 2022
“It was amazing with all the people singing for me. We are grateful to PNC for hosting us.
Will, who hopes to one day play golf at Stanford with his friend Maverick McNealy. Instead, he competes in local U.S. competitions. The Space Coast Tour and Kids Golf.
Annika Sorenstam, a Swedish woman, embraces Will McGee at the 18th hole during the first round in the 2022 PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. This was on December 17, 2022 in Orlando. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images).
While his mother was competing in the U.S. Women’s Open in Pine Needles for the first-time in 14 years, Will won the U.S. Women’s Open in Pine Needles when he aced The Cradle’s fifth hole. This par-3 course is located at Pinehurst. To commemorate the occasion, Will was presented with a pin flag by The Resort and an engraved bag label.
Mother and son held hands as they climbed up the 18th. Sorenstam was a 10-time major champion and he soaked every moment of it all. She became emotional when she spoke about the meaning of this week for her family.
Will’s husband Mike was with Will on the bag. Tom Sorenstam’s father caddied for her and Gunilla rode in his cart. Ava, daughter of Sorenstam, was the one who walked outside the ropes.
Sorenstam said, “It’s just been an amazing dream come true.” He added, “To see him smile every morning, to get out here early and be the first one out there putting. He’s in heaven. That’s all you could ask for as a parent.
