CLIFTON, N.J.--Annika Sorenstam compared the anticipation of her big announcement on Tuesday to coming down the stretch, needing a two-putt for victory. The Hall of Famer was nervous, but didn't shed any tears as she announced her retirement from competitive golf--effective the end of the 2008 season--at an overflowing press conference at the Sybase Classic Presented by ShopRite.

Annika fielded questions from the media in attendance and on a conference call with the same focus and commitment she has displayed throughout her 15 seasons on the LPGA Tour. Here are some of the more pertinent questions asked Tuesday and Annika's responses to them.

Q: WHY THE ANNOUNCEMENT NOW, AND NOT LATER IN THE SEASON?
A: I felt the responsibility to let the LPGA and the fans know. The year goes by so quickly and all of a sudden, it's December. I wanted to have a chance to focus on my game, play some good golf. Therefore, we just thought this was a good time.

Q: WHAT'S NEXT?
A: The reason for this decision is that I have other priorities in my life. I have a lot of dreams that I want to follow. I'm getting married in January. Mike [fiance Mike McGee] and I want to start a family. I want to continue to build the ANNIKA brand of businesses, and this includes my academy, my golf course design projects, my corporate relationships, hosting golf tournaments, etc.

While I'm stepping away from competition, I will be very engaged and very involved in the game of golf, but in a different way. I want to make sure that I can give back to the game that's been great to me, by helping and inspiring young kids to develop and reach their dreams. I know I can do that with the growth of my academy, my foundation, and the commitment of my sponsors that have been there for me all these years and played an instrumental part in my success.

Q: WHAT WILL BE YOUR LAST TOURNAMENT?
A: In Dubai [Dubai Ladies Masters, Dec. 10-13] on the Ladies European Tour. (The ADT Championship, Nov. 20-23 in West Palm Beach, will be her final event on the LPGA Tour.) I'm sticking with the schedule I decided to play earlier in the year, probably a total of 25 events. So I have a lot of events left all around the world.

Q: CAN YOU ENVISION YOURSELF PLAYING COMPETITIVELY AFTER THIS SEASON?
A: December will be my last tournament. If it's forever, I'm not really sure, but it's definitely for now.

Q: YOUR 16 VICTORIES SHY OF KATHY WHITWORTH ON THE ALL-TIME WINS LIST. DID YOU GIVE THAT ANY CONSIDERATION IN YOUR DECISION?
A: Obviously, 88 wins is a huge achievement. I feel like I've achieved so much more than I ever thought I could, and to beat her record doesn't motivate me. I'm very happy in my life. I'm content with what I've achieved, and it just feels right. I still have energy and excitement to finish the year on a strong note, and that's the way I look at it. Right now, I'm second on the [LPGA] Money List (behind Lorena Ochoa). And people who know me know that I don't settle for second. So I have a whole lot of work ahead of myself.