Eagle finish for Sorenstam in rousing Open farewell

EDINA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Three-times champion Annika Sorenstam signed off in spectacular style at the U.S. Women's Open on Sunday, holing out with a six-iron to eagle the par-five last.

Making an emotional farewell at the third women's major of the year, the Swede struck the shot from 199 yards and then heard the roars from the crowd as her ball hopped on to the green before disappearing into the cup.

The galleries packed around the 18th continued to applaud as a smiling Sorenstam triumphantly walked up the fairway, briefly linking hands with her caddie Terry McNamara.

After reaching the green, she plucked the ball out of the hole and kissed it before tossing it into the grandstand.

"The crowd was just amazing, the cheers," Sorenstam, 37, told reporters after carding a five-over-par 78 for a three-over total of 295. "When I walked up it was so loud, it was so much fun.

"It was so ironic. I didn't want to shoot 80 or above and to hole a shot from 200 yards, that's kind of the last thing you think about."

"I've never seen crowds like this," added the former world number one, who announced last month she will quit competition at the end of this year. "They have been so, so supportive.

"I'm leaving with another great memory, that's for sure. Maybe not the one I had in mind, but I'll take it. It's been an emotional roller coaster all week and especially today."

GRUELLING DAY

Sorenstam, making her 15th appearance at the U.S. Women's Open, endured a grueling day in blustery conditions at Interlachen Country Club.

Despite striking the ball well all week, she was continually let down by her putter on her way to a tie for 24th, 12 strokes behind winner Park Inbee of South Korea.

"It's just golf," said the Swede, who has won twice in 13 starts on the LPGA Tour. "I'm very, very happy with the way I'm playing. I'm hitting the ball the way I want it and it just didn't happen this week."

Sorenstam, who has piled up 72 LPGA Tour victories in a glittering career, has always had a soft spot for the U.S. Women's Open.

It was the first LPGA title she won, in 1995, and she went on to clinch the trophy the following year and for a third time at Newport Country Club in 2006.

"I've always enjoyed the U.S. Open," the 10-times major winner said. "As a little girl I pretended to have three-footers to win the championship. Just to have a chance to be in there and feeling it, that's really what I live for."

Although she has said this season will be her last at competitive level, she left the door ajar for a possible return to the U.S. Women's Open.

"I am stepping away for sure by the end of the year," Sorenstam said. "If I come back in a few years it will definitely be the Open."

(Editing by Miles Evans)