NBC’s new ‘Becoming ANNIKA’ documentary details the making of an icon, friction on tour, a painful divorce and finding fulfillment

There’s a moment early on in the new “Becoming ANNIKA” documentary when a young girl approaches the legend at a clinic and asks if she has any advice for competing against boys.

Sorenstam bent down to eye level and said, “Yes, you know you can beat them, right? You know that. Beat them. Be tough.”

Perhaps one day that youngster will grow to fully appreciate the beauty of that exchange. The new film, produced by NBC Sports in conjunction with the USGA, premieres on May 10 at 9 p.m. ET on Golf Channel.

Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank narrates and World Golf Hall of Famers Laura Davies, Juli Inkster and Nancy Lopez offer insight along with two-time major winner Dottie Pepper, former caddie Terry McNamara, USGA CEO Mike Whan and longtime journalist Ron Sirak, who covered Sorenstam’s LPGA career more thoroughly than anyone.

And, of course, Sorenstam’s family: doting husband Mike McGee, her parents Tom and Gunilla, children Will and Ava, and sister Charlotta all help tell the story of the 10-time major winner.

“Watching a movie about yourself, it’s a bit surreal,” said Sorenstam, who viewed the film for the time alongside her husband at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines, North Carolina, last month during media day for the U.S. Women’s Open.

“It’s interesting to hear other people’s perspectives. Of course, I’ve spoken with my caddie many times and with my kids all the time, but for them to speak when I’m not there, the film just captures it all beautifully.”

Emmy Award-winning director Adrienne Gallagher began production of the film at the 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, won by Sorenstam. In January, the crew went to Sweden for 10 days to film where Sorenstam got started in the game and better understand the culture that shaped her.

The documentary focuses on what built Sorenstam the champion, of course, but also on how she was received by her peers.

“When you are winning a lot,” said Lopez, “it’s a shame that the players don’t think that’s really a good thing. I think women are tough on other women sometimes.”

Sorenstam acknowledged that she knew there was a lot of chatter in the locker room, a lot of whispers behind her back. Charlotta chalked it up to jealousy.

“This is kind of a harsh thing to say, but you don’t become taller by chopping someone else’s head off,” Sorenstam said in the film. “I honestly told myself I’m not here to make the most friends, I’m here to make the most out of my career.”

Adrienne Gallagher, Staci Green as seen during the Becoming Annika Premier at Sunrise Theater in the Southern Pines, N.C. on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. (Copyright USGA/Jason E. Miczek)

Gallagher worked with an all-female production crew for the film and believes it made a difference in the way Sorenstam opened up about her divorce to David Esch.

“Dreams can be expensive,” said Gallagher. “The idea that she was achieving so much in her professional life and yet there was some profound emptiness.”

One of the most impactful sections of the film centers around Sorenstam’s son Will, who was born premature at 27 weeks. Will’s enthusiasm for his mom and the game is a big reason why the 51-year-old decided to compete in this year’s U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles.

“Becoming ANNIKA” will also be shown on NBC on Sunday, June 5, ahead of final round coverage of the U.S. Women’s Open.