by Jeff Skinner
Mark Steinberg’s calendar just opened up a bit. When Steinberg left IMG, for whatever reason, Tiger Woods announced that he would follow him wherever he went. On the other hand, Steinberg’s other high profile client, Annika Sorenstam, said she would evaluate her options. Well consider the options evaluated and Mark Steinberg isn’t her choice.
IMG has released a statement saying Annika will be staying put. “After much consideration and in light of my ambitions for the next phase of my career, I have determined that IMG remains the company best positioned to support me and the ANNIKA portfolio of businesses. IMG’s experience and global resources are unmatched and I look forward to continuing to work with them across all aspects of my business and charitable initiatives.” Sorenstam is ending a relationship of over sixteen years with Steinberg.
Steinberg was once the most powerful agent in golf. Until Tiger emerges from this professional and personal slump, Steinberg is just treading water. Reports are that his college roommate, Steve Stricker will be staying with IMG also. That’s got to hurt.
It seems that Steinberg may have lost a golden goose of sorts with Annika’s departure. She is juggling more business interests than you can count.
Annika retired from competitive golf in 2008 after 72 career wins and 10 major championships. She walked away from her hall of fame career to start a family and pursue other interest. She has succeeded in both areas. She just recently gave birth to her second child and has her hand in everything from golf to perfume to children’s health issues to financial services. Take a minute and visit her website, annikasorenstam.com.
She is busier now than she ever was while she was a touring pro. She has a regular stint on The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. Of course there is the Golf Academy and schools but then she has her own clothing line, perfume, wine label, course design, and financial services business. In addition to all those revenue generators she also has the philanthropic arm of the Annika brand, The Annika Foundation. The foundation has interests in junior golf and children’s health, which Annika has taken to heart.
Annika is a one person conglomerate and Mark Steinberg won’t be getting a piece of it any longer.
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