The impact won't be immediately visible, said Michelob Ultra Open Tournament Director Wayne Nooe. But that doesn't mean it won't be significant.

Nooe said Annika Sorenstam's decision to retire from competitive golf at season's end will affect the Kingsmill Resort's 6-year-old LPGA tournament in much the same way it will affect the tour itself.

"We're talking about arguably the greatest [women's] player ever," Nooe said. "Anytime you lose somebody like that . . . "

He hesitated.

"I'm not saying we'll see a slip in attendance or in the quality of golf. But what can you say? She's a legend. Anytime a sport loses a legend -- a Jack Nicklaus, a Michael Jordan -- let's face it: There's going to be a little bit of a gap."

Sorenstam announced her decision fewer than 48 hours after winning the Michelob Ultra Open with a record-setting 72-hole score of 19 under par. It was her 72nd career victory, but her first in five visits to Kingsmill.

Said Nooe: "Would it have detracted from our tournament had she never won? No. Certainly not. But I think it adds something -- it adds a lot, maybe -- to have her name on our trophy."

Indeed. If it is worth winning, Sorenstam, who will turn 38 in October, has won it: Hall of Fame membership, 10 major championships, eight player-of-the-year trophies, eight Solheim Cup appearances.

Nooe's respect for Sorenstam is obvious and abundant. He said Sorenstam has "never displayed anything other than grace and class" while visiting Kingsmill. That being so, he said he could not respond selfishly to yesterday's announcement.

"If this is what she wants to do and if she feels like this is the right time to do it, good for her," he said. "I'm very happy for her."