Sorenstam played her first Tour event in 1993
Annika Sorenstam says her LPGA return is not a comeback as the 10-time big winner gets ready for her first Tour event in 13 years.
"I don't think I used the word comeback," Sorenstam told BBC World Service Sport. "I would like to use the word appearance."
The tournament takes place in Orlando between February 25th and 28th.
Florida-based Sorenstam added the appeal of participating in the tournament at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is that it's on the doorstep.
"The track is literally in my backyard," said Sorenstam. "When I turn my head to the left, I can see the 16th hole, it's only 30 yards away.
" I've lived here for 21 years, we raised our kids and my parents live here. This is our community. "
Sorenstam, 50, has won 72 LPGA events but feels the Gainbridge LPGA provides her much-needed practice time after she leaves the wave to start a family.
"I'm focusing on the US Senior Women's Open [in August] and realized after 13 years that I'm a little rusty about competition," said the Swede
"I just really need those rounds under my belt to get out and go and post scores. I just thought it was the right time.
Sorenstam played her first Tour event in 1993 – and in 2003 she became the first woman to play in a 58-person PGA Men's Tour event.
With six of the top seven in the world ranking for women playing in Orlando, the younger generation was eager to learn from the golfer who has had 94 tournament wins worldwide.
"It's nice that they want to pick my brain, I take it as a compliment," said Sorenstam.
"I have the game I used to do, but we still talk about how to prepare for tournaments – they all have questions.
"There's a lot to talk about and I try to share my experiences and my thoughts and how I see things. It's about learning to set goals."