Sorenstam gives Kline sponsor’s exemption
Mt. Pleasant, SC - Annika Sorenstam announced on Tuesday that she has given a special exemption to 14-year-old MacKinzie Kline for Sorenstam’s event, the Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika.
Kline is one of the top-rated junior golfers, but also has a rare heart condition. Kline can not walk long distances without getting fatigued, so the LPGA announced that Kline will become the first player in tour history to be allowed to use a cart.
‘MacKinzie is a very unique and determined young lady and we are thrilled to have her play in the Ginn Tribute,’ said Sorenstam. ‘What she has accomplished, not only in golf, but for the community is extraordinary.’
Kline was born with a congenital heart defect named Single Ventricle with transposition of the greater vessels. Kline’s liver is transverse (meaning it is on the left side of her body) and she has aspleenia, which means she was born without a spleen.
She underwent open heart surgery within the first eight weeks of birth and then again before her second birthday. Kline had a setback in 2005, when she suddenly required more sleep than usual and began to struggle on and off the course. Doctors repaired a hole in Kline’s heart and discovered a blood clot above the valve of her single ventricle, which they did not remove because of the risk.
Kline was granted the use of carts in USGA events and carries oxygen with her at all times.
‘This is a dream come true for me,’ said Kline. ‘I’ve always had the dream to play on the LPGA Tour and Annika has made this a reality for me. Words cannot express my appreciation for this honor.’
This year’s Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika tees off May 31-June 3 at the Arnold Palmer designed RiverTowne Country Club Course at the Belvidere Resort.
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