Annika Sorenstam returned Wednesday to the scene of the triumph that ignited her Hall of Fame Career.

Sorenstam was at The Broadmoor, where she won the 1995 U.S. Women’s Open — her first LPGA victory — to help kick off ticket sales for the 66th Open, to be held at The Broadmoor from July 4-10, 2011. She is serving as the tournament’s honorary chair.

Back in ’95, Sorenstam was a tour rookie who shot a 2-under-par 68 in the final round to pass third-round leader Meg Mallon and win the first of her 72 LPGA titles, 10 majors and three U.S. Women’s Opens.

“It certainly kick-started my career,” said Sorenstam, who fought off a case of nerves down the stretch.

Sorenstam retired after the 2008 season at age 37 and still near the top of her powers. She said Wednesday that she had not entertained the idea of competing in the 2011 Open.

“No, I have no plans, especially when I heard (about) the set-up,” of the course, Sorenstam said at a press conference, jokingly referring to how U.S. Women’s Open director Tim Flaherty described how The Broadmoor would play for the tournament — “firm and fast” and more than 7,000 yards, the longest Open in women’s golf history.

Sorenstam said her “plate is very full,” as she has a foundation, a golf academy, a clothing line, a fragrance and also designs courses and now makes wines. She said she plays “social golf — which I didn’t know existed,” and does so from “the ladies tees, up front, and enjoy it with my friends.”

But after the press conference, Sorenstam said she was not positive that she’d never play professionally again.

“I don’t know,” she said. “When I stepped away, I used the words, ‘stepped away,’ because I didn’t know. If I get the motivation, if I want to go out there and grind, I know I can. Today I do not have that, and that’s what it takes. You can’t go out and just play, because it’s so tough out there. And right now I don’t have the desire. So we’ll see. If it happens, it happens. If not, I’m very happy.”

In April, the LPGA’s No. 1 player, Lorena Ochoa, also retired. That leaves the tour without arguably its top two talents and names of the past several years. Asked who could fill the void she and Ochoa left, Sorenstam said, “I think right now it’s kind of open.”

Sorenstam mentioned new world No. 1 Jiyai Shin and world No. 2 Ai Miyazato along with Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis and Cristie Kerr, of whom Sorenstam said, “now she’s more considered a veteran. Even though she’s very young.”

As for the influx of young players on the tour, Sorenstam said, “it’s a change.”

“I think when you’re a kid, yes, it’s a dream to be a professional, and it’s great to have that dream,” she said. “But I tell the kids, ‘Don’t rush.’”

Annika Sorenstam hit the ceremonial first shot of the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open on Wednesday at The Broadmoor. Photo by CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE