Annika Sorenstam finished seventh at the Dubai Masters where she ended her sparkling 15-year career - although a comeback remains a possibility.
The Swede ensured that there was a fitting ending when she birdied her final hole in competitive golf.
Pictures of the week: 8-14 December
An even nicer touch was the applause offered by her playing partners as she left the 18th green, a gesture she later described as heart-breaking.
With 89 career victories including 10 Majors, the 38-year-old claimed yesterday that she was “very happy” to be moving on.
Annika Sorenstam career gallery
"I'm both happy and sad,” reflected Sorenstam. “The motivation is no longer there but I'm very proud of what I've achieved in the last 15 years.
"Life goes on and I am very happy about my decision to move on.
"I feel very good about women's golf in general. It's on the rise and it will continue to grow. I think stepping away at this time is very appropriate."
However, the Swede admitted a comeback would be possible, stating: “"I have the option to do that and never say never but on the other hand, I feel great right now."
The Dubai Masters was won by German Anja Monke, seven shots clear of Sorenstam.
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